Three killed in firing as two groups clash in MP

Three persons were killed in firing as two groups clashed near Chilonga village in the district, a senior police official said today.

The incident took place under Surpura police station area yesterday.

According to police, the incident was a fallout of an argument between the two groups over a minor issue.

"Following the argument, members of the two groups reached Surpura police station to file complaints against each other. However, the police station in-charge did not entertain their complaint and asked them to go back," Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajendra Varma said.

However, while returning from the police station, the two groups, led by Devendra Singh and Suresh Singh, clashed once again and called their supporters, he said.
 

The members the two groups started firing at each other from their rifles and locally-made weapons, the ASP said.

According to Varma, three persons identified as Suresh Singh (65), Brajesh (36) and Devesh (32) died on the spot, while another one sustained serious injuries.

The incident enraged the local villagers, who alleged that had the police paid heed to their complaints, the incident would not have occurred.

"Five persons have been booked in this connection. But all of them have gone absconding," the ASP said.

He, however, expressed confidence that the accused would be nabbed soon.

Taking serious cognisance of the allegation that the in-charge of the police station,Inspector Vaidyaraj Parihar, did not entertain the rival groups' charges against each other, Bhind district superintendent of police (SP) suspended him in a prima facie case of negligence.