Thirteen physically-challenged people consumed poison in Varanasi, leaving one dead, as they resisted a civic body drive to remove their roadside kiosks.
Varanasi, Aug 1 : Thirteen physically-challenged people consumed poison in Varanasi, leaving one dead, as they resisted a civic body drive to remove their roadside kiosks.
The protesters blocked a busy street and shouted slogans against the local administration, before they consumed poison.
Police rushed them to a nearby hospital where one succumbed.
The squatters said their demand for rehabilitation has fallen on deaf ears.
"We take loan and start our work, but that also is a problem for them. It is better for us if we just died," said Lalu, a protestor.
Officials, however, said the protest was unwarranted, as they had already reached an agreement earlier.
"We had spoken to them and they were all satisfied. But all of a sudden, they took this step. It seems that they have been provoked by someone," said Veena Kumari, Government official.
Kumari added that land was being arranged for displaced kiosk owners.
ANI