An argument at a paan shop led to a clash between IPS trainees and locals near the Sardar Vallabhai Patel National Police Academy on Hyderabad’s outskirts last night. Three probationary officers — Prakash Tiwari, Keval Khurana and Irshad — and two locals were injured. Both the trainees and locals lodged complaints with the police, a case was registered only against the shop’s owner, Venkatesh.Locals said the fight started when four trainees, after visiting a bar, did not pay for cigarettes at the pan shop. The shop-owner and his father were thrashed and the situation worsened when more locals and trainees joined the fray.However, Inspector K. Srikanth, who is investigating the case, said Venkatesh hit the trainees when they questioned why he charging in excess of the MRP quoted on the cigarette packet. He said that cases have been registered against Venkatesh for rioting and attempt to murder. A senior official said an impartial inquiry would be made .SVPNPA director Kamal Kumar said an inquiry has been ordered and action would be taken based on the report.
