Lucknow, Oct 22 (IANS): At least 15 people, including nine policemen, were injured as a protest over the mysterious death of a school principal turned violent in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur district Saturday, police said.

The death of Dharmendra Bind, 32, triggered the protests during which locals in Birno town, some 300 km from Lucknow, clashed with the police, setting some vehicles, including a police jeep, afire

Police resorted to firing and also baton-charged the protesters to bring the situation under control.

Bind was found hanging in his private school Friday night. Alleging that Bind did not commit suicide, and was murdered, locals in large numbers assembled in front of the Birno police station to protest.

Locals alleged they turned violent only after a police official unnecessarily manhandled some of the protesters while they were carrying out a peaceful demonstration.

"Of the 15 injured, preliminary inquiry indicates two locals sustained bullet injuries. All the injured are said to be out of danger," said Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar.

"The situation is tense but under control. A magisterial probe has been ordered. Security in Birno has been beefed up," he added.

Senior district officials and those of the police were camping in the area.