OUR CORRESPONDENT
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Police has arrested 10 individuals following violent clashes between supporters of two candidates during the counting of votes for All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) election on Monday night, police said. The voting for the ANSU elections began on November 22.
A violent clash erupted between supporters of two candidates at Siddhartha Hall here during the counting of votes at around 9 pm on Monday, Capital Superintendent of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh said on Tuesday. He said the confrontation escalated with the use of sharp weapons and lathis, injuring five individuals. The situation worsened when gunfire was reported from both factions, the SP said.
Responding swiftly, Singh said the police resorted to firing tear gas, stun grenades and lathi charge to disperse the mob. The crowd was brought under control though sporadic gunfire continued from nearby hilltops, the official said. Singh said several police personnel also sustained injuries. The clashes between the rival groups resumed at hospitals, forcing injured individuals to flee, the SP said.
The official said two live rounds and one spent shell (KF 7.65) were recovered from where the crowd was fired upon. He said an FIR has been registered at Itanagar police station under relevant sections of the BNS and Arms Act. The situation at Siddhartha Hall is under control and counting of votes is going on, Singh said. The SP said efforts are underway to identify unknown assailants and locate the individuals who fired the suspected illegal firearms.
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