Uttar Pradesh : So far 36 arrested in Kanpur, 3 FIRs in violence after controversial statement of BJP spokesperson

Violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur on Friday in protest against the controversial and alleged ‘derogatory’ remarks of a BJP spokesperson against Prophet Mohammad. People of two communities pelted stones and bombs on each other during the closure of shops after Friday prayers in protest against the controversial statement. To pacify this, the police also had to lathi-charge. A total of 36 people have been arrested so far by the police in connection with this violence and three FIRs have been registered in the matter.

Two FIRs have been written on behalf of the police while one FIR has been written on behalf of the injured person. 40 people have been named and FIR has been registered against more than 100 unknown people. Police sources said that action will be taken against all the accused under the Gangster Act. In the Kanpur violence, 13 policemen and 30 people from both the sides were injured. The accused are being identified on the basis of the video footage.

Police said that the violence took place in Parade Square, Nai Sadak and Yatimkhana areas of Kanpur, where security has been tightened and intensive surveillance has been increased. Additional police force has also been deployed in the area, which includes 12 companies and one platoon PAC. President Kovind will remain in Kanpur till 11 am today. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken stock of the situation by talking to the Commissioner of Kanpur over the phone.

Police Commissioner Vijay Singh Meena said, “…36 people have been arrested, while three FIRs have been registered so far. More people are being identified on the basis of the video.” He further said, “Action will be taken against the conspirators under the Gangster Act and their property will either be confiscated or demolished.”

Violent clashes broke out between two groups of different communities in Kanpur on Friday, allegedly over a market bandh. Police said the violence in the area started when some people tried to shut down the shops, which was opposed by another group.

People trying to forcibly close the shops also clashed with the police. The police had to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Further investigation is being done in the matter.

In Lucknow, ADGP Prashant Kumar said that there is an appeal to all the minority members of Kanpur to cooperate in maintaining peace and help the police in identifying the miscreants. He said that the officers have been given the responsibility to maintain peace and order at any cost.