Peoples Democratic Party MLA Mohammad Khalil Band sustained serious injuries late on Sunday in an alleged mob attack. A mob reportedly pelted stones at his vehicle at Prechu in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, after which the driver lost control of the vehicle and the car overturned.
The attack took place around 11 pm, 26 km from Srinagar, while Band was heading to the state capital, PTI reported. Band was admitted to an army hospital, where he is believed to be in critical condition. His bodyguard and driver both sustained minor injuries.
However, a spokesperson for the state government Nayeem Akhtar denied the involvement of any mob. According to Akhtar, Band suffered a hip injury after his vehicle "skid and turned turtle", Hindustan Times reported.
Curfew-like restrictions continue to be imposed in Jammu and Kashmir for the 10th straight day. More than 3,200 people, including some 1,500 security personnel, have been injured in the violence, which ensued after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. So far, at least 41 people have been killed in the protests in the state, where internet services continue to be restricted and the media is being gagged.
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