Violence in Allahabad as policeman shoots lawyer dead

Lucknow: Violence erupted in Allahabad on Wednesday after a police official shot dead a lawyer and injured another outside the high court, police said.

Angered over the incident, lawyers went berserk and attacked policemen, pelted stones at them and torched many vehicles.

While heavy reinforcement was sent to contain the violence, the lawyers continued with their rampage.

Six companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been rushed to Allahabad, an official told IANS.

According to information, the incident was triggered when a verbal spat turned violent after a lawyer bumped into Sub-inspector Shailendra Singh.

Shailendra Singh allegedly rebuked the lawyer and when he reacted, the policeman pulled out his service revolver and shot at him.

While one lawyer was killed on the spot, another was rushed with serious injuries to a medical facility where his condition is said to be grave.

The area has virtually turned into a fortress and all shops have downed their shutters.

A home department official said a detailed report has been sought about the incident.

The Uttar Pradesh Bar Council said it will go on a strike from Thursday, protesting the shooting.