Police lob teargas shells to quell rioters in Sanga Reddy in Andhra Pradesh

Medak, AP, Mar 30 : Rioters today defied curfew and attacked policemen in the aftermath of a communal violence that rocked Sanga Reddy, near here, late last night with mobs indulging in arson and looting.

Police lathicharged the mob and burst teargas shells even as Home Minsiter Sabitha Indira Reddy who visited the town warned stern action against communal elements who triggered the violence.

Violence broke out last night when a youth allegedly posted on facebook a provocative photograph of a place of worship angering a religious group which demanding his arrest started attacking shops and vehicles at the old bus stand.

The mob set on fire more than 35 shops besides a number of vehicles, including those belonging to the police as the violence contined even past midnight. As many as 10 people, including few policemen were injured.

Top Police and District Officials rushed to the spot to contain the mob and indefinite curfew was clamped to restore peace. Despite the curfew some groups indulged in violence this morning also and hurled stones at the policemen who were patrolling the town.

Talking to mediapersons after visiting the violence-hit areas in Sanga Reddy town, Ms Reddy warned the government would not spare anyone irrespective of their status invovled in the violence.

Appeal to the people in the town to observe restraint and help the police in maintaining law and order in the town, she said .

In Hyderabad, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy reviewed the situation in Sangareddy at a high-level meeting and asked the officials to take all steps to bring situation under control.

He also directed the District Collector Suresh Kumar and Superintendent of Police to submit a report on the violence.

Local MLA Jagga Reddy also visited the injured at the hospital.

The situation was under control, though tense, police said (UNI)