The situation in curfew-bound Cheepabad-Khirkiya town of Harda district remained tense on Friday, following which the district administration issued shoot-at-sight orders, as a precautionary measure.
Talking to media persons at Harda, Superintendent of Police (SP) Deepak Varma, said "though no untoward incident has taken place in the troubled town since curfew was imposed, the administration has issued shoot-at-sight orders as a precautionary measure."
A total of 30 persons had been arrested for arson and stone-pelting and case had been registered against them under Section 307 and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the SP said adding that about 20 persons, including six policemen had suffered injuries in violence which erupted after a domestic animal was found dead. Additional forces from neighbouring districts and jawans of the Rapid Action Force and Special Armed Force (SAF) have been deployed in the town and other sensitive places in the district. Varma said the situation turned tense following the killing of a domestic animal in the town. The people indulged in arson and stone-pelting and also set a number of shops and homes ablaze. Collector Rajneesh Shrivastava said the situation was under control and was being monitored closely. Curfew would continue for the time being and would be lifted only after the situation returned to normal.
Replying to a query, Shrivastava said it was not possible to say when the curfew would be relaxed or lifted.
Shrivastava said he could not talk to the elders of the two communities due to the volatile atmosphere, but assured that once the situation normalised he would try to hold talks with them on a common platform.
Deepak Verma told that the 31 persons have been detained who were involved in the vandalism and arson. Situation is under control and if the condition remains the same, curfew could be possibly relaxed on Saturday, he added