Kasganj clash: Victim’s father alleges threat

BAREILLY: The father of the 23-year-old man killed in communal clashes in Kasganj last week has alleged he was threatened by two men outside his house and demanded security for his family. However, Kasganj SP Piyush Srivastav said after meeting Chandan’s father Sushil Gupta that the claim could not be confirmed. He said, as a precautionary measure, the family had been provided security with police deployed outside Gupta’s house.

BAREILLY: The father of the 23-yearold man killed in communal clashes in Kasganj last week has alleged he was threatened by two men outside his house and demanded security for his family.

However, Kasganj superintendent of police (SP) Piyush Srivastav said after meeting Chandan’s father Sushil Gupta that the claim could not be confirmed.

“I spoke to Sushil Gupta. It seems he has been instigated by someone to say so,” Srivastav said. He said, as a precautionary measure, the family had been provided security with police deployed outside Gupta’s house.

Sushil Gupta, 51, father of Abhishek Gupta aka Chandan, told police that two men on a motorcycle approached him and told him not to “take enmity with us ... We will see you”.

“I am worried about my family. We request the administration

› I spoke to Sushil Gupta. It seems he has been instigated by someone to say so PIYUSH SRIVASTAV, SP

to ensure our security,” Gupta said over phone.

He, however, did not register a case in this connection.

“We are looking into his complaint. A team from Kotwali police is investigating the matter,” Srivastav said. Meanwhile, police carried out raids in the district in search of the other accused of the Kasganj violence on January 26, but no arrest had been made in the last 24 hours.

A week after the clashes, all major markets opened on Friday and the administration also ordered all government and private schools in the district to start classes. The district administration issued a fresh alert to ensure peaceful Friday prayers at mosques in Kasganj. Muslims reached Badi Masjid near Kotwali area and participated in the prayers, peacefully.

“Additional security personnel were deployed near the mosque. Members of the peace committee also interacted with the members of both the communities,” the SP said.

“We have issued a fresh alert in view of Friday prayers in Muslim dominated areas of the city,” he added. Similar arrangements were also made at other mosques. In Amanpur, where a mosque was targeted by miscreants on Monday, Hindus came out in support of Muslims.

Several Hindu families arranged tea and refreshments for Muslims after the Friday prayers as a goodwill gesture.

Abhishek alias Chandan was killed after communal clashes broke out in Kasganj following a skirmish during a Tiranga Yatra in Baddu Nagar on Republic Day.

The prime accused was arrested on Wednesday.