Diamond Harbour: Two women were killed and 17 injured, including seven policemen and a DSP, when police used lathis and fired in the air on Thursday to disperse a stone throwing mob over power theft in South 24 Parganas district, official sources said.
The incident occurred when a group of power department personnel caught some persons for hooking electricity at Nainan Mallikpara area, district Superintendent of Police LN Meena said.
On getting the information, police went to the spot and a mob pelted stones at them injuring eight policemen.
Police used lathis injuring ten persons; he said adding when the lathis failed, police fired in the air to bring the situation under control.
According to hospital sources, Sabera Bibi, 30, and Rashina Khatun, 14, who were brought in for treatment died. "If the police fired, then it might be that the situation had warranted them to do so. But we do not know whether the person has died due to police firing or not. If it is due to police firing, we will investigate the matter," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.
Action will be taken against erring police officials and those from the power department, she said.
Describing the incident as "unfortunate", she said the police should have taken more precaution while handing the violence.
"I am against the firing. I don't hold villagers responsible. Even power department officials should have explained the issue to people," she said adding that there might be a political motive behind the villagers provocation.
"We are also checking whether it is the handiwork of political opponents or not," Mamata said.
Hinting at a communication gap between the police and her, the CM, who is also the state Home Minister, said she was at the state secretariat and was not informed of the incident.
"Had I been told, I would have handled the situation," she said.
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