16 injured in Nasirganj town clash

SHRAWASTI (UP): Sixteen people, including some policemen, were injured in a clash between security forces and some devotees in Nasirganj town during Durga idol immersion, police said.
    
A clash broke out between police and the devotees last night when they did not follow the procession route while going for Durga idol immersion, DIG R K Rai said.
    
BJP MLA Sabha Sureshwar Singh was prevented from entering the town on Saturday as a precautionary measure, he said, adding situation was tense but under control. There was no curfew in the town and only high alert has been sounded, Rai said.
    
Six persons were injured when police resorted to lathicharge and later opened firing on the devotees who turned violent when asked to follow the procession route during Durga idol immersion. Ten police and civil officials, including an Additional District Magistrate and an Additional Superintendent of Police, were also injured in the clash.
    
Six government vehicles were damaged by the mob and one PAC van was set ablaze.
    
PAC and police personnel were patrolling the area and senior police officials were personally monitoring the situation.
    
Durga immersion takes place on Vijaydashmi and the following day in the town.
    
Meanwhile, a large number of villagers have fled from their homes in panic and police has lodged FIR against 20 persons on charges of rioting and arson.