An independent MLA and his supporters allegedly clashed with police in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district, an official said today.
MLA Vimal Chopra, eight police personnel including two officials, and others were injured in the clash that occurred last night when the politician and his supporters were trying to gherao Kotwali police station over alleged manhandling of the MLA's supporter by police.
"An FIR has been registered against Vimal Chopra and his supporters over a violent clash with police when they were trying to gherao Kotwali police station last night," Mahasamund Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh told PTI.
As per preliminary information, a police team on night patrolling duty had warned Chopra's supporter Ankit Lunia (27) against beating up some minor youths in Mini Stadium area after a minor dispute, he said.
"However, the MLA alleged that a police sub inspector (SI), who was part of the police team, manhandled Lunia and slapped him," the SP said.
Later, the MLA, who represents Mahasamund seat, and his supporters tried to gherao the Kotwali police station demanding action against the SI, following which police personnel resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the mob, the SP said.
"In the scuffle, eight police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and a woman SI, sustained injuries," he said, adding that Chopra and some of his supporters were also injured in the incident.
Cross FIRs have been registered in the matter with both the parties accusing each other of assault, he said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Demanding action against the police officials, the MLA claimed that the police personnel had thrashed Lunia without any reason following which he and his supporters were protesting in front of the police station.
"Instead of taking action that guilty police official, the personnel at the police station used baton against them. At least 40 people injured in the police action. They are undergoing treatment at a local hospital," he claimed.
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