Clashes in Kanpur over ‘insult’ to Prophet during TV debate
Kanpur, June 3: Mobs hurled bombs and pelted stones at each other as violence erupted in Kanpur after groups of people tried to force shopkeepers to down shutters over an alleged insult to Prophet Mohammed on a television show.
Clashes broke out in Pared, Nai Sadak and Yateemkhana areas of the city after Friday namaz, police said.
The two sides hurled bombs and opened fire as members of one of the groups attempted to shut shops over alleged insulting remarks made by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma during a television debate recently, a senior police official said.
Those who allegedly forced traders to shut shops clashed with police personnel who then used batons to disperse the mob.
Meanwhile, 18 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Those involved in the violence are being identified with help of video clips of the incident. Eighteen people have been arrested, said Additional Director General (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar.
“The accused and the conspirators will be booked
under Gangster Act and their properties will be seized or demolished,” warned the officer.
Kanpur police commissioner Vijay Singh Meena said two people have been injured in the violent episode.
Some local leaders, including Maulana Mohammed Ali (MMA) Jauhar Fans Association chief Hayat Zafar Hashmi, had called for closure of shops on Friday in protest against the remarks. They had also taken out a procession during which they confronted members of other community, an official said, adding that as a result of which clashes broke out.
Kanpur’s District Magistrate Neha Sharma said, “Members of a particular community took to the street in protest and indulged in violence. Several people were seriously injured and have been sent for medical assistance.
Kanpur police commissioner Vijay Singh Meena, who reached the spot, told reporters, “Suddenly, around 50-100 people came and started raising slogans, which was opposed by the other side. Then there was stone pelting. The police force controlled the situation to a great extent. He said the situation is under control now.