KANPUR — Violence erupted in parts of Kanpur after Friday prayers as members of two communities indulged in brick-batting and hurled bombs over attempts to shut shops in protest against ‘insulting’ comments on Prophet Mohammed.
Clashes broke out in Pared, Nai Sadak and Yateemkhana areas of Kanpur, 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 shopkeepers to shut shops clashed with police personnel who had to use batons to disperse the mob.
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.
Soon hundreds of people had taken to the streets in protest. About half-a-dozen people, including street goers and onlookers, sustained serious injuries in the incident.
Kanpur’s District Magistrate Neha Sharma told PTI, “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.
Eighteen people were arrested in connection with the violence and stone pelting as police scoured video footage to identify others.
“Those involved in the violence are being identified with help of video clips of the incident,” 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.
Twelve companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been sent to the area to maintain law and order, police said. Senior officials are also being sent there to monitor the situation.
“Officials have been asked to keep a round the clock vigil. The UP government will not allow law and order to be disturbed in any situation,” Kumar said. — (PTI)