11 killed by live wire when demonstrating at police station in northeast India

At least 11 people were killed and 20 injured in the northeast Indian state Assam Monday after a high-voltage wire hit by police firing fell on demonstrators at a police station, said local media.

The incident took place when protesters armed with matchets and sticks pelted stones at a police station in Tinsukia district of the state, demanding that police free five men arrested for suspected murders, according to Press Trust of India.

When police fired in the air to disperse the mob, bullets hit an overhead high-tension electric wire that fell on the demonstrators, killing at least 11 instantly.

Assam is one of the poorest states of India.