INDIAN RIOTS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1926, Page 2

INDIAN RIOTS

CALCUTTA UNREST. [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] DELHI, April 21. ' Reports from northern parts of the city of Calcutta show that a large number of assaults on individuals took place to-day, with the result that a number were injured. The number admitted to various hospitals now totals forty-nine. The assaults wore entirely confined to stabbing and other attacks. No organised fighting occurred. The riot situation is still considered grave. The further casualties reported include three deaths. The police have organised flying squads who have the situation in hand.

FURTHER CLASHES. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) CALCUTTA, April 21. Despite police precautions, a Coin* iinmist clash occurred this morning. With the coming of nightfall, the northern parts of the city bore a deserted aspect, most of the shops having closed. At the suggestion of the police two armoured cars paraded some of the worst streets and a high military officer inspected the affected area at dusk. Solitary cases of assault and looting continue. It is reported two Hindus were found dead in the streets hearing marks of severe dagger attacks, while in Canning Street, a Hindu was attacked by a party of Mohammedan hooligans and liefore death, was disembowelled. One police constable was severely wounded whilst on patrol at Burra Bazar and it is now reported one of the English police. Sergt. Kirby, received a gunshot wound in an affray earlier in the day. One hundred armed Gurkns from the frontier arrived. A crowd of five hundred Mohammedans armed with pick axes, crow bars, sticks, swords and stones marched down -Medina Bazaar Street to the accompaniment of drums. Two police sergeants tried to dissuade them from proceeding but vainly. A sergeant snatched and broke a drum, whereupon brickbats were thrown at him. He whipped out a revolver and dispersed the mob. .Meanwhile large crowds of Hindus armed with knives, crow bars and axes assembled, and a fusillade of brickbats occurred between the opposing parties lasting about an hour. The police, firing blank cartridges, dispersed the combatants. The total deaths to date are fifteen and forty-one injured.