26 injured in clashes in Kanpur

KANPUR: A slight change in the route of Milad-un-Nabi procession resulted in communal clash in Syed Nagar area of Kanpur on Wednesday.

At least 26 people, including some policemen, were injured in brick-batting and 40 people had been taken into custody following the clash, police said.

The procession route was changed from the main road to a narrow lane in view of waterlogging on the roads.

Police said the residents of Syed Nagar opposed the passing of procession through the lane. Arguments broke out and soon people began throwing bricks from roof tops leaving six injured in the melee. Seven policemen were also hurt.

Police had to use force to bring the situation under control. SSP, Kanpur, Anant Dev said the issue was settled and the procession was allowed to pass through the lane to join the main one, which originated from Parade ground.

Acting swiftly, the police controlled the situation from spiralling out of control and picked up 40 people.“The incident occurred due to misunderstanding and rumours,” the SSP said.

According to locals, the organisers wanted to take out the procession from a lane in Syed Nagar in Rawatpur while the route was not approved by the district administration. When the people tried to stop the procession, the devotees allegedly clashed with them. Residents claimed that tension had erupted following the use of loudspeakers on Tuesday night. On Wednesday, as the procession entered the lane, some people shouted that it would not be allowed to go further. Meanwhile, the PAC and the police force rushed to the spot and contained the situation.