Attempt To Murder Case Against Mob In Gujarat Zinc Plant Protest Violence

According to officials, after the public hearing was cancelled by the collector on Monday, some of those dispersing from the site blocked a road seeking written assurance on their demands from the collector.

A mob of 200-250 unidentified persons was on Tuesday booked for attempt to murder and other offences a day after a protest against a proposed zinc smelter plant in Doswada in Gujarat's Tapi district turned violent, leaving 14 policemen injured, two of whom are in serious condition, officials said. After the protest by people from almost two dozen tribal villages turned violent at a public hearing organised by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board in connection with the plant on Monday, police had to fire 118 teargas shells and hurl two hand grenades to bring the situation under control, officials said. "A mob of 200-250 unidentified persons has been booked under IPC sections related to attempt to murder (307), voluntarily causing hurt (332), assault (353), unlawful assembly (143), rioting (147), along with provisions of the Damage to Public Property Act and Disaster Management Act. No arrest has been made so far," Sub Inspector Rajesh Vasava of Songadh police station said. According to officials, after the public hearing was cancelled by the collector on Monday, some of those dispersing from the site blocked a road seeking written assurance on their demands from the collector.