Maharashtra Additional Director-General of Police Javed Ahmed refuted allegations that Muslims were targeted in the police action that followed violence in Dhule on Sunday.
Five people were killed and more than 100 injured in the incident.
“The fact that a large number of police were injured tells its own story. This has never happened before,” Mr. Ahmed told a press conference here.
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Asked whether rules of firing teargas and resorting to lathi charge first before firing at the crowd were followed, he said: “A standard operating procedure is supposed to be followed. But ground realities have to be considered.”
The police report on the entire incident would look at what procedure was followed, he said.
On the allegation that the police shot to kill, Mr. Ahmed said three out of five people who were killed in the firing were injured below the waist. “The police on the spot take orders from seniors. But at a certain stage, they follow their discretion.”
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