Many people have been injured in a clash between residents and police in Loagri over the custody of an alleged motorbike thief.
The incident, rooted in the escalating motorbike thefts on market days, resulted in gunshots, leaving ten persons injured.
The suspect, reportedly on a wanted list, was apprehended in the act of stealing a motorbike, prompting pursuit by onlookers and the bike’s owner.
The suspect took shelter in a nearby house, intensifying the residents’ anger and their desire for justice.
As residents demanded access to the house, the owner secured the door to protect the suspect.
Police, patrolling the market due to the recurring theft issues, arrived on the scene to secure the stolen motorbike.
However, they faced resistance from the agitated crowd, fearing the suspect would evade justice.
The situation escalated into a clash between residents and police.
Eyewitness accounts reveal confusion over the police’s handling of the situation, with residents questioning the delay in apprehending the suspect.
Frustration grew as residents felt their concerns were overlooked.*
Sensing the rising anger, the police opted to disperse the crowd by firing warning shots. In response, some residents hurled stones at the officers, prompting the police to fire in their direction, resulting in injuries to ten individuals.
The alleged thief is currently in police custody, and the injured are receiving medical attention. Investigations into the incident are underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the clash.
