Violence erupted in Allahabad on Wednesday after a police official shot dead a lawyer and injured another outside the high court. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav later announced an ex gratia of Rs.10 lakh for the family of the deceased lawyer.
Angered over the killing of lawyer Mohd. Arif, fellow lawyers went berserk and attacked policemen, pelted stones at them and torched many vehicles.
While heavy reinforcement was sent to contain the violence, the lawyers continued with their rampage.
Six companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been rushed to Allahabad, an official told IANS.
According to information, the incident was triggered when a verbal spat turned violent after Mohd. Arif bumped into Sub-inspector Shailendra Singh.
Shailendra Singh allegedly rebuked the lawyer and when he reacted, the policeman pulled out his service revolver and shot at him.
While Mohd. Arif was killed on the spot, another lawyer Chandan was rushed with serious injuries to a medical facility where his condition is said to be grave.
The area virtually turned into a fortress and all shops downed their shutters.
A policeman, who received bullet wound in his neck in the ensuing violence, is also said to be critical, according to officials.
A home department official said a detailed report has been sought about the incident.
The Uttar Pradesh Bar Council said it will go on a strike from Thursday, protesting the shooting. Lawyers in Varanasi and Bahraich also protested against the killing.
Akhilesh Yadav also directed Allahabad district officials to act tough on the policeman and other miscreants who engaged in violence after the incident.
The police sub-inspector has been suspended and a case of murder registered against him.
He is absconding as of now and efforts are on to nab him, home department officials said.
