Six arrested for Bijnor clash

Police have arrested six people and recovered a rifle and two countrymade pistols after death of three Muslims in clashes between two communities over eve teasing in Peda village of Bijnor on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, district administration blocked the internet in the entire district from Friday night and gave only two-hour relaxation (between 6pm to 8pm) for BSNL network, to check circulation of hate messages and objectionable and provocative posts on social media.

“We gave only two hours’ relaxation for using internet,” said district magistrate Jagat Ram Tripathi, explaining that the objective was to prevent circulation of provocative material on social media. He also confirmed arrest of six named accused and recovery of a licensed rifle and two countrymade pistols during search operation. A victim Furqan had lodged a named FIR against Sansar Singh and 28 others in Kotwali for unleashing violence which killed three people. Twelve people from both sides sustained injuries during clashes on Friday.

Five severely injured people were referred to Meerut and the remaining were admitted to a hospital in Bijnor. The DM claimed that the situation was under control.

Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had sanctioned ex-gratia of ` 20 lakh to each of the families who lost their members in the violence.

Meanwhile, lBJP MP Yashwant Singh, MLA Lokendra Chauhan and district officials lodged their protest against cops’ attempt to impose the NSA against the accused and said action should also be initiated against those who targeted and damaged the property of Hindus.

Maulana Arshad Madni, president of Jamiat-E-Ulema Hind, met the families of the victims. He said stern action should be taken against the perpetrators of violence.