5 killed in clash between two families in north India

Five people including a police officer were killed and several others injured in a clash between two families in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said Monday.

The neighboring families (both belonging to Hindu community) according to police disputed over the renovation of temple in their locality.

"Last evening five people were killed and another wounded after two families resorted to firing on each other at Ekauni village in Allahabad district," a police official said. "Of the dead one was police officer, whose family was at loggerheads with the other and the dispute was going on for the past three years."

The killings took place at Ekauni village in Allahabad district, about 200 km south of Lucknow city, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Following the killings, huge contingents of police including senior officials rushed to the spot.

Police officials said the families used their licensed guns to target each other.

Reports said on Sunday a group started renovation of the temple, which was opposed by the other.

"In the altercation a member took out his licensed rifle and opened indiscriminate firing on his rival group killing three persons on the spot," an official said. "In reciprocation supporters of the other group also opened fire and killed two of their rivals."

Police officials have arrested seven persons and ordered an investigation into the incident. Endit