New Delhi: Demonstrations turned violent in several parts of North India where at least 9 people were killed. Multiple Dalit groups had called for a nation-wide protests over dilution of the SC/ST Act since morning.

Madhya Pradesh was the most affected where five persons were killed and several others, including policemen, sustained injuries in violent protests. Securuty forces including personnel of the Army were called in to control the situation. A student leader, identified as Rahul Pathak, died in firing in Morena district, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Umesh Shukla told news agency PTI.Pathak was allegedly shot by agitators and he succumbed to injuries enroute to hospital, he said. Curfew was imposed in Morena, Gwalior and Bhind districts.

The vandals blocked rail and road traffic and vandalised public property n Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

In Rajasthan's Alwar one person was said to be killed.

The protest also claimed a life of a new born baby in Bihar. Reports claimed that the ambulance of the child got stuck in a jam due to violent demonstrations The child reportedly died on his way to Sadar hospital from Mehnar PHC in Hajipur.

LATEST UPDATES:

  • Jharkhand: 763 people detained in Ranchi district and 850 in east Singhbhum district during #BharatBandh protests - ANI

  • Some police personnel have been injured. Situation is under control now, however all districts are still on high alert. We've lathicharged & used water cannon wherever it was needed. No culprit will be spared & strict action will be taken: DIG, Law & Order, UP

  • One person has died in firing in Alwar. There was stone pelting in several places. No. of people have been detained across all districts in the state. Internet services were suspended&Section 144 was imposed in certain districts: DGP, Rajasthan #BharatBandh protest over SC/ST Act - ANI

  • Today's violence has claimed 7 lives so far.







 





A similar protest could be seen in Jalandhar as well, where hundreds of people marched on the roads, carrying flags and shouting out slogans for their rights. In Patiala, angry mob stood in front of trains and disrupted the operations.











With Lok Sabha elections next year, the pressure is mounting on the central government as well. The government on Monday filed a review petition before the Supreme Court, challenging its order banning automatic arrest and registration of cases for alleged harassment of SCs and STs.

A nation-wide shut down was called by SC/ST communities protesting against SC order.