Violence over dog walking claims 4 lives

MEERUT: Rakhi festival turned nightmare for Baghpat’s village Durbha on Wednesday morning, when four persons died and six were injured in a clash that began with an argument over walking a dog. Three persons bled to death at the local health centre, as there were no medical personnel to attend to them for over two hours.

The incident has exposed both the local police -- who failed to avert the violence -- and the primary healthcare system. But while action has been taken against the policemen, the medical staff has so far gone scot free.

“I have suspended four policemen. Three persons died of excessive bleeding because there were no medical staff for over two hours,” said Luxmi Singh, superintendent of police, Baghpat.

The tragedy occurred around 9.30 am, when the argument between neighbours Yogendra Sharma and Dharam Singh Sharma turned violent, with their friends and families joining in. Guns were pulled and Yogendra, 50, died on the spot.

Both sides have lodged complaints against each other and police teams have been formed to arrest the culprits.

The SP also has initiated proceedings to cancel three arm licenses given to Dharam Singh`s family.

THREE BLED TO DEATH AT THE LOCAL HEALTH CENTRE, AS THERE WERE NO MEDICAL PERSONNEL TO ATTEND TO THEM