Bharat Bandh: Protestors set BJP MLA's house on fire in Hindaun in Rajasthan

Karauli: A day after violence was reported during Bharat Bandh in Hindaun in Rajasthan, the situation went out of control. A mob comprising nearly 5,000 people set the house of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Rajkumari Jatav on fire and also burnt houses and commercial establishments of former Congress legislator Bharose Lal Jatav.

When police resorted to lathicharge to control the crowd, the agitated protestors took to stone pelting. Police had to fire rubber bullets and tear gas shells in the air to disperse the crowd. Collector Abhimanyu had to declare a curfew in the area owing to the law and order situation.

Police had to call Rapid Action Force to handle the protestors. "The traders' association and upper castes are agitated in Hindaun City. They took out a procession today and tried to enter the SC/ST dominated areas. Police forces lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to cane charging and firing rubber bullets to disperse the mob," Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) NRK Reddy said.

There had been a call for bandh in the city against the violence that took place on Monday. Basic amenities like medical services and petrol pumps had also been shut. When the protestors were taking out the rally, the police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowds. Agitated by the police action, the crowd indulged in violence and created ruckus.

Some tear gas shells also dropped into the higher secondary school after which nearly 20 students fell unconscious. 

The incident occurred a day after Rajasthan and several other states saw large-scale protests and violence during a 'bandh' called by Dalit organisations. 

Superintendent of Police, Karauli, Anil Kayal said after the incidents of arson and violence, nearly 40 people were detained in Hindaun City.