BJP leader's killing sparks violence, policeman burnt alive

A local BJP leader was shot dead allegedly by a BSP activist, sparking massive violence during which a policeman was today burnt alive by a mob which also torched a police station and dozens of vehicles in Uttarakhand's Nainital district.

Balawant Singh, head of Kotabagh block in the district, was allegedly shot at by BSP constituency incharge Neeraj Tiwar after they reached Kaladunghi police station with their supporters following a dispute last night.

Singh was rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead, police said, adding Tiwari was arrested.

As Singh's body was handed over to his family this morning, angry supporters took control of the police station and set it ablaze. Head constable Puranlal was beaten by the mob which threw him into the fire.

He was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead, senior superintendent of Police Mohan Singh Bangyal said. Three other policemen were also injured in the violence as the irate crowd torched dozens of vehicles.

Three persons, including a woman, were wounded as police fired in air to disperse protesters who marched to Kotwali and blocked traffic after placing Singh's body on the road.

Chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has ordered suspension of all police personnel who were on duty at the police station at the time of the killing of the BJP leader, the chief minister's spokesman Anil Chandola said.

A joint action was launched by police and provincial armed constabulary (PAC) personnel who regained control of the police station by afternoon, the SSP said.