According to officials at the State control room here, police had gone to the Civil Hospital in Amreli to arrest Nagaji Premji and his accomplice Narsinh Premji who were wanted in a case registered at the Amreli town police station. Police said acting on a tip-off from constable Bharatsingh that Nagaji had been admitted to the Civil Hospital and Narsinh was accompanying him, they raided the hospital premises. Although they failed to trace Narsinh, Nagaji was arrested from the Civil Hospital.

Later, as the police tried to take the accused in a mobile van, they were gheraoed by a crowd of about 25 people. The mob later attacked the police party. They blocked the road and tried to secure Nagaji's release by pelting stones at the police.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Babu Dadu fired two rounds in the air, but when this failed to control the mob, he fired two rounds on the protestors.

In the ensuing melee, Pratap Metambhai (20) was injured. He was admitted to a hospital where he breathed his last on Wednesday morning.

Police said the situation is under control and no untoward incident has been reported since Thursday morning. Police said Nagaji Premji had lodged a complaint againt Bhala Premji, while the latter had filed counter complaints Nagaji and Narsinh. Police were in the process of arresting Bhala, Nagaji and Narsinh when the incident occured. Nagaji and Narsinh were hardcore criminals, police said, explaining the reason for taking an Alpha mobile and armed police to arrest the two.