More than nine people were killed and several left injured in violence that erupted across several states as protestors blocked trains, clashed with police and torched private and public properties, during a nationwide bandh called by the dalit groups.

According to an ANI report, a 68-year-old man died after the ambulance carrying him couldn't reach hospital on time due to BharatBandh protest over SC/ST Protection Act in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh yesterday. His son apparently lifted him on shoulders and ran towards hospital which was 1 km away, but the man was declared dead on arrival.

In another shocking incident, a new born baby lost his life due to the protests, as his ambulance got stuck in a traffic jam and he died on the road of Hajipur (Bihar). The infant couldn't survive and died before reaching the hospital.

While some states ordered the closure of educational institutions, and curtailed internet and mobile services, incidents of arson, firing and vandalism were reported from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab, among other states.

Curfew was imposed in several places, while the Union Home Ministry, which rushed 800 anti-riot policemen to MP and UP, asked all states to take preventive steps and maintain public order to ensure the safety of lives and property. The Army and paramilitary forces were also put on standby in Punjab.

(With additional inputs from PTI)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2018 08:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).