Cops hit by pepper spray in riot-control demo

HYDERABAD: A couple of policemen were accidentally hit by a new type of tear gas shells during a demonstration of non-lethal weapons to control mobs at the Goshamahal stadium on Wednesday. The policemen were left coughing for nearly an hour and had to be given first-aid. A Delhi-based company which imports non-lethal weapons and sells the same to security agencies exhibited a new range of non-lethal weapons to deal with mobs and armours for policemen to shield themselves from missiles thrown by protestors. Senior police officials including Hyderabad and Cyberabad police commissioners AK Khan and Dwaraka Tirumala Rao and other officials attended the event.“Apart from various non-lethal weapons, the company exhibited pepper balls meant to be lobbed at protesters. The balls, the size of bubble gum burst and sprinkle powder which causes burning irritation to those hit by it,” a police official said. The balls reportedly contain capsicum and pepper powder.According to police, one such ball fell on shoulders of two constables, causing severe irritation and burning sensation. “Two constables had to be given first-aid but they are not serious injuries,” a police official said.