Agra, Jan. 31 -- Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the state government after the Allahabad High Court took a strict view of the alleged practice of police shooting accused persons in the leg during encounters.

Reacting to the High Court's observations, Rai claimed that law and order in Uttar Pradesh had collapsed and said the state government had failed to ensure justice.

"The state government is finished, and they are carrying out, half encounters, full encounters...They are bulldozing the homes, will they ensure justice to anyone?" Rai told ANI.

He welcomed the High Court's order and said action must be taken against those responsible. "I thank the courts. Strict action should be taken ...