Thaindian News

Allahabad, March 1 (IANS) At least 20 people, including several policemen, were injured here Tuesday as a clash broke out between lawyers and employees of the district administration, with both groups indulging in arson and vandalism and fighting pitched battles with police, officials said.Tension prevailed in Colonelganj area, where hundreds of lawyers and employees clashed. “A verbal duel between a group of lawyers and employees of the chief development office (Vikas Bhawan) snowballed into a major issue, trigering tension and violence,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Allahabad Range Ram Kumar told IANS.

“The situation is now under control. In the wake of the violence, heavy security arrangements have been made in the area. Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and force from several police stations have been deployed in the area,” he added.

According to police, a group of lawyers had heated arguments while they visited the Vikas Bhawan, situated near the Collectorate.

“Shortly after the arguments, members from both the sides turned violent and started pelting stones at their opponents. In the process, they also torched several vehicles and damaged public property,” said a police official.

Police resorted to baton charge to disperse the warring groups. “We resorted to force after members of the two sides turned unruly,” the official said, claiming that no one was seriously injured in the incident.

Meanwhile, lawyers alleged that the chief development officer (CDO) came out in support of the employees of his office and opened fire in the air in order to intimidate them. However, Kumar rubbished the lawyers’ allegation.