Violence broke out during Muharram processions in different parts of the state, injuring more than a dozen people. Miscreants in Kanpur indulged in open firing, stone pelting , hurling of petrol bombs and ransacking police outposts injuring three cops. Trouble began at Perampurva and Rawatpur when a Muharram procession deviated from its route, leading to a clash between communities.
A heavy police force comprising Rapid Action Force personnel and Provincial Armed Constabulary was roped in to bring the situation under control. According to ADG Avinash Chandra, preliminary inquiry suggests clashes broke out after a dispute over route of Muharram procession.
Bareilly district's Jogi Navada area, too, witnessed heavy stone pelting between members of both the communities when the procession was taken out from a different route. In nearby Pilibhit district 12 people were injured in communal clashes over Muharram procession.
Ballia, massive violence broke out on Sunday evening when members of a particular community were taking out ‘Tazia’ procession. Trouble started from Sikandarpur area where massive violence broke out when the Moharram procession was being taken out. Shops and houses were set on fire and during communal clashes during Muharram procession in Sikandarpur area of Balia district. Police fired four rounds of tear gas shells to control the violent mob. Station officer Vinay Pathak was badly injured during the clashes.
Similar violence were reported from Ambedkar Nagar, Sambhal and Allahabad.
