Anti-Prophet remark: Clash erupts as cops stop protest march

Tiwari has been in jail since December 2 and NSA has been invoked against him.

A protest march called by a Muslim organisation against the “objectionable” remarks about Prophet Muhammad made by Kamlesh Tiwari, a self-proclaimed Hindu Mahasabha leader, turned violent in the Old City area of Lucknow Sunday afternoon, leading to brick-batting and damage of properties.

Administration officials said the march, which was attended by nearly 5,000 people and called Mohammadi Mission, did not have prior permission. Those who participated in the march clashed with local shopkeepers whose shops they tried to loot and indulged in brick-batting with police in Thakurganj area of Old City, officials said.

Additional District Magistrate (West) Jaishankar Dubey reiterated that the group did not have permission for the march besides the fact that legal action has already been taken against Kamlesh Tiwari.

Tiwari has been in jail since December 2 and NSA has been invoked against him.

“Earlier, the organisers had assured they will not go ahead with the march. Still they did. The mob clashed with officials, causing injuries to them. Police had to use light force to control the mob,” he said.

Dubey said 21 persons have been named in the FIRs and action will be taken against those who will be identified by the police.

“We are in the process of registering FIRs. A few of them have been identified and others are being identified with the help of available CCTV footage. Police force is deployed in the area,” said Ajay Kumar, SP West, adding the situation is under control.

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