Highlights
- Security has been beefed up between Yateem Khana and Parade crossroads in Kanpur
- Action under Gangster Act will be taken against conspirators
- Violence started after some people tried to shut down shops which was opposed by the other group
Kanpur violence: The main accused in the Kanpur violence case, Hayat Zafar Hashmi, was arrested from Lucknow on Saturday. At least 800 people were booked, 24 were arrested and 12 were detained so far over rioting and violence in Kanpur, which left about 40 people injured.
Kanpur Police Commissioner V S Meena said the accused will be booked under the stringent National Security Act and the Gangster Act while the possible role of groups like Popular Front of India (PFI) and others is being looked into.
The violence broke out in Pared, Nai Sadak and Yateemkhana areas of the city after Friday namaz when some people tried to force shopkeepers to down shutters over allegedly insulting remarks made by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma during a TV debate recently.
The first FIR was registered on behalf of Inspector Beconganj Nawab Ahmed, in which 36 people including Hayat Zafar Hashmi have been named. The first FIR was registered regarding the closure of the market from Baba Crossroads and the stone pelting incident that started after that. The second FIR was registered in the assault of a passer-by by the mob near Chandeshwar Hata.
Many others have been booked for assaulting people. The third FIR was registered on behalf of Sub Inspector Arif Raza, in which 19 people including Hayat Zafra Hashmi were named. 350 other unidentified have been booked. This third FIR was registered by the local outpost in-charge in the case of stone pelting and rioting at Dada Mian crossroads.
Violence broke out in Kanpur, a day when President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended a function at the president's ancestral village in Kanpur Dehat. Bombs were hurled and gunshots fired during the violence as members of a group attempted to shut shops.
Also Read | Kanpur: Several injured in stone pelting between two communities
Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati attacked the state government over the violence and stone-pelting in Kanpur, asking the BJP dispensation to take action against the culprits "by rising above religion, caste and party politics". In a tweet Saturday, Mayawati said, "Riots and violence that erupted in Kanpur during the visit of the president and the prime minister to Uttar Pradesh is very sad, unfortunate and worrying and also a sign of the failure of the police intelligence. "The government has to understand that in the absence of law and order, how investment and development are possible in the state?" she said.
Two persons and one policeman were injured in the aftermath of the clashes. According to senior police officials, the situation in Kanpur is under control on Saturday morning, but a heavy police force has been deployed in the violence-hit areas. Police also conducted Flag March where clashes broke out to maintain law and order.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on violence
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Friday that those who try to disturb the atmosphere of peace will be dealt with strictly. He has given strict instructions to the administrative officers in this regard. Stone pelting and violence broke out between two communities during an attempt to shut down shops after Friday prayers in Kanpur Nagar in protest against alleged "derogatory" remarks against Prophet Muhammad. The chief minister directed the authorities that strict action should be taken against the miscreants by identifying them and if necessary, additional police force should be deployed there.
'Religious activities should not take place on the streets, keep this in mind'
CM Yogi also said that strict action should also be taken against those who try to spoil the atmosphere by making unnecessary statements. Yogi stressed that it should be ensured that religious activities are not organized on the streets. The Chief Minister directed the police and administrative officers of all the districts that by June 10, all the roads should be free from encroachment and illegal tempo stands should be removed. Along with this, buses should also be parked at their designated places.
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