Siliguri (WB), October 19: Thirteen police personnel and five others were injured in a clash today when a mob opposed the arrest of some persons allegedly involved in gambling at a Diwali fair at Binnaguri tea estate in Jalpaiguri district.
The police fired 30 rounds after 13 policemen including an inspector-in-charge were injured by the mob when the gamblers were picked up, Inspector-General of Police (north Bengal) K L Tamta said.
Tamta said that the IC of Banarhat, who led a force into the area, was seriously injured after he was hit by a broken liquor bottle in his abdomen and eye. Five other persons were also injured.
Superintendent of Police Anand kumar told reporters that the mob had damaged a police vehicle after which reinforcements were rushed.
Three out of five injured civilians were admitted to the North Bengal Medical College Hospital in serious condition, he said.
–Agencies