'High-power' administrative probe into Mathura violence begins today

Mathura: A probe into the violence in Jawahar Bag here, in which 26 people were killed, will begin today with the spot visit by the Commissioner of Aligarh.

"I will first take stock of the situation by visiting the area. If somebody wants to present something (evidence or information) on the Jawahar Bag episode, he would be heard," said the Commissioner Aligarh and Presiding officer the probe committee, Chandra Kant.

Asked if it would be a magisterial probe, he said "it would be a high-power administrative probe.

Policemen walk inside a park where clashes between police and squatters claimed several lives. (Photo: PTI)

A total of 26 people, including an SP and an SHO, were killed in clashes between police and members of a sect who had encroached on government land in Mathura.

Read: Mathura incident gives BJP the edge ahead of UP Assembly elections

Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday raised compensation amount to the next of kin of two slain police officers in Mathura clash from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also announced extraordinary pension to the families of two martyred policemen and job to one member from each family, an official release said.