Date:31/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/31/stories/2007083162471700.htm

National

13 policemen suspended in Agra

Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW: Even as Agra returned to normality on Thursday, a day after violence and arson, 13 policemen were placed under suspension for dereliction of duty. While curfew was completely lifted in the Sadar Bazar police station area, day curfew was withdrawn in the Tajganj police station area.

Following mob fury, curfew was clamped on six police station areas. It will continue in Loha Mandi, Nai ki Mandi, Mantola and Rakabganj police station areas. Night curfew will remain in Tajganj.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vinay Katiyar and his entourage was stopped at Mathura and not allowed to proceed to Agra on Thursday. Mr. Katiyar was despatched by the party’s central leadership for an assessment of the situation.

Among the policemen suspended was the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Agra, Rahul Yadavendra. The suspensions followed the visit to Agra on Wednesday of Director-General of Police Vikram Singh and Home Secretary Mahesh Gupta.