KANPUR: As a result of the violence in Kanpur, the Bareilly government has imposed a curfew under Section 144 in advance of a massive rally planned for June 10, as declared by Muslim preacher Tauqir Raza, according to sources.
The administration prohibits gatherings of more than five individuals in public places. During this period, protests would be outlawed as well. The curfew has been set till July 3 to prevent a repetition of the Friday tragedy in Kanpur.
Officials said on Saturday that the Uttar Pradesh Police had booked over 800 persons, arrested 24, including the alleged mastermind, and detained 12 for questioning in relation to the rioting and violence in Kanpur. Kanpur Police Commissioner V S Meena stated that the suspects will be charged under the draconian National Security Act and the Gangster Act, while the potential participation of parties such as the Popular Front of India (PFI) and others is investigated.
As a result of the violence in Kanpur, the Bareilly government has imposed a curfew under Section 144 in advance of a massive rally planned for June 10, as declared by Muslim preacher Tauqir Raza, according to sources.
The administration prohibits gatherings of more than five individuals in public places. During this period, protests would be outlawed as well. The curfew has been set till July 3 to prevent a repetition of the Friday tragedy in Kanpur.
Officials said on Saturday that the Uttar Pradesh Police had booked over 800 persons, arrested 24, including the alleged mastermind, and detained 12 for questioning in relation to the rioting and violence in Kanpur. Kanpur Police Commissioner V S Meena stated that the suspects will be charged under the draconian National Security Act and the Gangster Act, while the potential participation of parties such as the Popular Front of India (PFI) and others is investigated.
The police have asked the Forensic Science Laboratory for assistance in recovering data from the mobile phones confiscated from the detained suspects. They are examining over 200 video recordings of the event in order to identify people who threw stones.
Anand Prakash Tiwari, Additional Commissioner of Police (law and order), noted that three FIRs for rioting and violence had been filed at the Beckonganj police station. “The neighbourhood is tranquil, and we are keeping a 24-hour vigilance,” he stated.
On the basis of a report by Beckonganj Station House Officer Nawab Ahmad, the first FIR has been filed against approximately 500 individuals for rioting with lethal weapons. The FIR identifies 36 individuals, including the president of the MMA Jauhar Fans Association, Hayat Zafar Hashmi, as well as his colleagues, Yousuf Mansoori and Amir Jawed Ansari.
Hashmi and his men, according to the SHO, had asked for the closure of stores on Friday to protest statements made about the Prophet by a BJP official. The FIR alleged that the rioters utilised lethal weapons, threw petrol bombs, and took to the streets, causing fear in the region.
Sub-Inspector Asif Raza filed the second FIR after receiving a complaint. Twenty individuals have been identified in the FIR, while 350 unnamed individuals have been charged. The second FIR alleged that Hashmi, together with Yousuf Mansoori, Amir Jawed Ansari, and others, congregated at the Dada Miyan crossing and marched into Yateemkhana, compelling merchants to close their stores, which led to lawlessness.
Mukesh, a resident of Chandeshwar Hata, filed the third FIR, alleging that hundreds of Muslims with sticks, iron rods and lethal weapons attacked members of the other group with the purpose to murder them.
It adds that “thousands of unidentified individuals” are being held accountable. The FIRs have been filed under various IPC sections, including 147 (punishment for rioting), 307 (attempt to murder), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 336 (act endangering life), 353 (criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty), 427 (mischief causing damage), and 504 (criminal conspiracy to prevent a public official from carrying out his duties; deliberate insult intended to instigate a breach of the peace).
According to police, the violence broke out in Pared, Nai Sadak, and Yateemkhana areas of the city after Friday prayers, when some individuals attempted to force shopkeepers to lower their shutters in response to allegedly insulting comments made by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma during a recent television debate. Saturday, police said that at least 40 individuals, including 20 police officers, were hurt during the fights. Those who reportedly forced merchants to close their businesses battled with police officers, who used batons to disperse the throng.
