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One killed in firing by AP police constable

Last updated on: May 01, 2009 21:45 IST

One person was killed and two others injured seriously when a policemen from the Andhra Pradesh Special Police opened fire on a group of youths in Dharmasthala in coastal Karnataka on Friday.

The incident took place while the youths were playing cricket at a local ground and the  cricket ball hit one of the policemen. A heated argument broke out between the policemen, who had been deployed on election duty at Dharmasthala, and the youths.

The locals reportedly pelted stones at the policemen, who retaliated by resorting to lathi charge. Soon, a constable opened fire on the crowd, killing a 26-year-old man and injuring two others.

Two policemen have been arrested in connection with the firing, sources said.

As the news of the death spread in the area, locals staged a protest in front of the policemen's buses and demanded their arrest.

A judicial enquiry has been ordered into the incident.

Vicky Nanjappa