§ 8. Mr. GARDNERasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received a full report of the riot which broke out in Bombay on Sunday, 20th February; whether firing was opened on the crowd; and whether a full public inquiry has been held or will be held into the whole circumstances?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have received a report by the Commissioner of Police, written the day after the riot occurred, but, so far, no later report. From this it appears that 15 shots were fired at the crowd after great patience had been 1667 shown both by the magistrates and by private Indian gentlemen in endeavouring unsuccessfully to persuade them to disperse,, and after attempts by the police to disperse them had been met by resistance and a fusillade of stones and bottles. I am not aware whether a public inquiry has been held, but my information contains nothing which would suggest the necessity for one.