Ghaziabad: Over 60 injured in violent protests, stone-pelting and lathi-charge over dumping ground

News Topical, Digital Desk : Several farmers and policemen were injured in stone pelting and an alleged lathi charge during a violent protest demanding the removal of a local garbage dump in the Loni area of ​​Ghaziabad district in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The situation turned tense. Heavy police deployment was made in the area. More than 60 people were reportedly injured in the incident.

The villagers are demanding a school or hospital instead of a garbage dump. A protest erupted on Sunday, quickly leading to stone-throwing and clashes. Police are patrolling the area.

Stone pelting started after the argument

Police officials said that a protest by local residents and farmers demanding the removal of a garbage dump in Mirpur Hindu village, under the Loni police station area, turned violent on Sunday afternoon. A heated argument ensued between farmers and police officers, and stone-pelting soon ensued. Police resorted to lathi-charge to stop the protest, injuring some farmers and policemen. They said the disturbance began when people broke down the main gates of the garbage dump to stage a sit-in. This escalated the situation, and several protesters and policemen were injured in the violence.

Police accused of lathi charge

Protesters alleged that the police brutally resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Farmer Manoj Kumar claimed that approximately 60 people suffered injuries to their hands and heads. Videos circulating on social media show protesters displaying various injuries allegedly caused by police action.

Claiming control of the situation

Loni Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Siddharth Gautam denied allegations of lathicharge. He said, "Two police officers were injured when protesters pelted stones. The injured officers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment." However, the police did not release photographs of the injured officers or reveal their names. Gautam said the situation at the scene was under control and security had been increased in the area.

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