Tension in Bareilly over stone pelting during kanwar yatra

Uttar Pradesh minister Arun Kumar, who is also the MLA from Bareilly, said that some unwanted elements wanted to create tension in the state and spoil the atmosphere. “Therefore, an impartial probe will be conducted, and those found guilty will be given strict punishment,” he said.

Police personnel inspect the street where stones were hurled at kanwariyas in Bareilly on Sunday. (PTI)

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Tension erupted in the Baradari area of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday after a group of kanwariyas claimed that stones were pelted at them. Police said the incident, which started over throwing “some object”, saw both sides pelting stones at each other.

“During scrutiny of videos of the incident, it has come to light that stones were pelted from both sides. An additional police force has been deployed in the area and the situation has been brought under control,” Senior Superintendent of Police (Bareilly) Prabhakar Chaudhary said, adding they are trying to identify the accused through video and CCTV footages, and strict action would be taken against the guilty.

While sources in the police said that three persons were injured in the stone-pelting incident, the SSP said that so far, there was no information about anyone getting injured.

According to police, a procession of kanwariyas was passing through a mosque in Joginavada locality, when a dispute arose between over throwing of “something”. “When the procession moved ahead around 40-50 metres from the religious structure, a group of people started pelting stones at kanwariyas… Stones were also hurled at the police team which was present at the spot. The situation came under control when an additional police team arrived… When the footage was examined, it was seen that stones were hurled from both sides… The police force present at the spot controlled the situation, and the procession moved ahead,” a statement released by Bareilly SSP said.

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The kanwariyas then staged a protest, demanding the lodging of an FIR and the arrest of the accused.

“An FIR has been lodged into the matter at Baradari Police Station. A few people have been detained for questioning,” Inspector General (Bareilly Range) Rakesh Singh said.

Sources said that kanwariyas have accused a former corporator of the area of being behind the attack.

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Additional District Magistrate (Bareilly City) RD Pandey said the situation was normal and an additional police force has been deployed in the area.

Uttar Pradesh minister Arun Kumar, who is also the MLA from Bareilly, said that some unwanted elements wanted to create tension in the state and spoil the atmosphere. “Therefore, an impartial probe will be conducted, and those found guilty will be given strict punishment,” he said.

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