Monday, October 17 2005 16:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Lucknow: Under attack from the opposition for the communal strife in Mau, Uttar Pradesh Government today (Oct 17, 2005) announced a three-member committee to probe the circumstances that led to the riots and the role of district officials and public representatives.

The committee would be headed by Neera Yadav, state Revenue Board chairperson, Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav said at a hurriedly called news conference here.

Yadav said that the committee would submit its report within three weeks. The names of other members of the committee would be announced shortly.

Yadav said that the toll in the communal clashes that broke out in Mau over Dussehra festivities was seven. In all 252 people had been arrested in connection with the riots and 36 people including eight policemen had been injured.

The chief minister said the new administration officials posted in the district had yielded positive results and the situation was now limping back to normal.