Meerut: Police had to fire several rounds in the air to disperse a violent crowd during the Kheda panchayat today called to demand release of Sardhana BJP MLA Sangeet Som.
In Lucknow, UP additional director general (law and order) Mukul Goel said, the violent mob in Kheda has been dispersed and extra security forces have been rushed to Meerut. One person has been hospitalized, he added.
The mob set fire to a car belonging to India TV reporter, as police used lathis to disperse the crowd.
Despite Sec 144 prohibitory orders in force, thousands of supporters of the BJP MLA, presently in jail under National Security Act, came out to attend the mahapanchayat.
UP government had banned the mahapanchayat, but Som's supporters defied orders and organised the gathering.
