Haldwani: A police station in Haldwani was set on fire on Sunday, hours after a local BJP leader was shot dead in the city, allegedly by a BSP leader.
The mob also beat the Head Constable to death, injured some others, set vehicles ablaze and blocked traffic.
It all began after an argument broke out between BJP leader Balwant Singh and the BSP's Neeraj Tiwari at a local restaurant on Saturday night. The police arrived and brought both of them to the police station.
"When we reached the police station we found them washing blood off the floor of the lock-up. When we enquired, they said a small fight had taken place," said a witness.
What exactly happened at the police station is not known yet, but after allegedly opening fire the BSP leader managed to walk out. Later in the day, he surrendered and police ordered an enquiry.
"The SHO has been suspended , we are taking care of the injured policemen and the matter will be investigated," IG, Kumaon Range said.
After the BJP leader's body was handed over to his family on Sunday morning his supporters went berserk, damaging public property. Extra forces had to be called in, but Haldwani remains tense.