Five die in riots led by farming caste in India

At least five people died as clashes erupted yesterday in western India when police and paramilitary forces tried to quell riots led by a farming caste demanding government benefits.

Authorities imposed a curfew in Gujarat after mobs attacked police and burned vehicles. Mobile phone communications were blocked in Ahmadabad to stop gangs from coordinating their movements.

Police said the five killed included a father and son caught in a protesting crowd on their way home from work when police opened fire.