LUCKNOW - Candidates at an army recruitment camp in Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli district went on a rampage, attacking police, railway station and shops, and setting vehicles on fire, alleging irregularities in the selection process. At least one person was killed when the military police opened fire at the mob, an official said.

“A youth died of bullet injuries when the military police opened fired at the mob. Many people, including policemen and army personnel, were injured during the stampede that followed the protests,” Varanasi Divisional Commissioner Suresh Chandra told IANS by phone.

Candidates fought pitched battles with the police and army personnel by heavily resorting to stone throwing. Protesters attacked a court, shops, colleges and police stations.

Venting their ire against the alleged irregularities, candidates also set six police vehicles on fire, attacked the Chandauli railway station and uprooted rail tracks there.

While the officials confirmed only one death, unconfirmed reports said at least two candidates were killed, while 40 suffered injuries.

“The identity of the youth is yet to be ascertained. He must be either from Chandauli or Varanasi as candidates from these two districts only were called for the recruitment drive,” Chandra added.

Following the violent protests, additional security forces have been deployed in Chandauli, which is about 300 km from here.

Briefing reporters in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh termed the incident as “unfortunate” and said senior government officials have been asked to go Chandauli to control the situation.

He said the state government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the violent incidents.

The state government has sent a letter to the central government and the ministry of defence to ensure co-ordination with the state government before organising recruitment camps.

“It has been done to keep a check on such incidents in the future,” Singh said.