Agra:Police baton-charged protestors as a demonstration against rising prices turned violent here on Monday. A road
blockade by the protestors almost brought the city to a halt. The protestors began
stone pelting when the police tried to remove the blockade. Some of the protestors
also vandalised a liquor shop. Some two-wheelers were set ablaze and a few vehicles
were also damaged by the unruly mob. "Anti-social elements who try to disrupt
peace will be arrested. Stern action would be taken against those who try to take
law into their hands," said Brij Bhushan, Deputy Inspector General of Police,
Agra. Seema Devi, a protestor, blamed the government for not taking steps to control
the price rise. "Why is the government not taking steps to control the price rise?
Everyone comes to seek votes but no one cares to control the price rise," she
said. Food prices rose in India 13.39 percent in the 12 months to October. 24,
highlighting concerns that the index could stay high despite government efforts
to keep a lid on prices. Last week, the government said the wholesale price inflation
was 1.51 percent in the 12 months to October 17.
