Date:15/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/15/stories/2003011507820100.htm

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'Cow slaughter' triggers violence

By Our Staff Correspondent

BHOPAL JAN. 14. Tension gripped Ganjbasoda town in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh today as a mob went on the rampage setting shops on fire after some members of religious organisations gathered at a house where a cow had allegedly been slaughtered.

At the time of filing this report, the situation was said to be tense but under control. The authorities have imposed night curfew in the town and prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr.P.C. in Vidisha, the district headquarters.

Additional police forces were sent earlier today to Ganjbasoda. The Bhopal Divisional Commissioner, the Inspector-General of Police and other officials also rushed there to monitor the situation.

According to reports from Ganjbasoda, people went on the rampage setting many shops on the busy Station Road on fire this morning shortly after they gathered at a house where a cow had allegedly been slaughtered. It is learnt that tension mounted when some animal skins were allegedly recovered from this spot.

The mob even attacked the police force that reached the spot with stones and at least two police vehicles and a fire brigade vehicle were burnt and damaged. The injured police personnel have been hospitalised.