From correspondents in Madhya Pradesh, India, 08:00 PM IST

The state Congress Saturday demanded a judicial probe into the communal violence in a Madhya Pradesh town that has claimed eight lives, saying the riots were was pre-planned.

The state Congress also appointed its own two-member committee to probe the matter, party sources said. The committee comprises former union minister Aslam Sher Khan and Ajay Ojha.

In a memorandum submitted to Governor Balram Jakhar, state Congress President Suresh Pachouri has urged him to take stringent action against those who were involved in the communal violence.

Communal clashes in Burhanpur town, over 300 km from here, broke out Friday and have so far claimed eight lives. Three people died Friday while five of the injured succumbed to their wounds Saturday.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)