The Hindu : Front Page : Cricket fans go on the rampage

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 13, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

Cricket fans go on the rampage

Staff Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: Tension prevailed on Indian side of the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post (JCP) along the international border with Pakistan, when an unruly mob of cricket fans went on the rampage damaging the buildings housing the Customs and Immigration offices. The police had to use force to contain the situation.

The trouble started when some cricket fans, who had reached the JCP quite early in the morning, lost their patience at the tardy progress by the officials in clearing their papers.

A crowd of about 3000 fans, desirous to watch the third one-day match between India and Pakistan, scheduled at Lahore on Monday, had gathered at the spot.

While the infrastructure and staff can handle not more than 1000 persons a day, the officials who apprehended a heavy crowd, closed the main entry gate of the complex and the fans were directed to queue up.

The crowd got restless at the behaviour of the officials. They broke the main entry gate and managed entry into the Immigration and Custom Building.

The mob resorted to pelting of stones, smashing the window panes and damaging other furniture of the complex.

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