In Kanpur, 2 groups clash over forced closure of shops; stone-pelting on cops

New Delhi: Violent clashes erupted in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh on Friday, after two groups clashed over forced closure of shops in the area.
At least 6 people were injured in the violence & stone-pelting that ensued following heated altercation. Vehicles were also damaged in the stone-pelting.

The situation is under control and those guilty of violence will be brought to book, said Prashant Kumar, UP ADG (Law & Order).

The violent skirmishes took place in Becongunj area near Yatimkhana as hundreds of people took to the streets after Friday prayers to forcefully close shops. Some locals had taken out a process over alleged insult to Prophet Mohammad and were forcing the local shops to bring down shutters.

Kanpur: PM मोदी के दौरे के बीच माहौल खराब करने की कोशिश, 2 समुदायों में हुई हिसंक झड़प pic.twitter.com/jdKxAuooVk

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The situation was soon brought into control with police apprehending about 16 people, however, the violence resumed after an interval. Gunshots were also fired. Police had to arrange additional reinforcements to rein in the situation.

Parade Chowk saw huge assembly of people

A Muslim group, offended by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s remark on TV, had called for a bandh in the locality. After Friday prayers, hundreds of people assembled at the Parade Chowk and began bullying the shopowners to bring the shuters down. When the other group opposed move, an altercation broke out, resulting in violent flare-up.

Large number of policemen are deployed in the area to keep the situation under control.

कानपुर #Kanpur @NBTLucknow pic.twitter.com/i5JQSLEaze

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