UP: 316 arrested, Yogi calls for ‘exemplary action’

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told officials to “take such an action against those guilty that it sets an example so that no one commits a crime or take law into their hands in future”.

Miscreants throw stones on police during a protest over controversial remarks made by two now-suspended BJP leaders about Prophet Mohammad, in Prayagraj. (PTI)

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday evening said that 316 people have been arrested and 13 FIRs registered in connection with the protests and violence in nine districts of the state on Friday in the wake of the remarks made on Prophet Mohammad by now suspended BJP leaders.

During a review meeting in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told officials to “take such an action against those guilty that it sets an example so that no one commits a crime or take law into their hands in future”.

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“The chief minister has directed Additional Chief Secretary Home to take strict action in the incidents that have taken place in the past few days. He made it clear that no one would be allowed to play with the law and order in the state and such an action should be taken against those guilty that it sets an example,” a statement issued by the state government read.

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He, however, told them that no innocent should be touched.

“Do not spare those who are guilty. Identify them through CCTV and other video footage… Find out the sources of income of the conspirators, so that recovery of the damages can be done accordingly. Invoke NSA and Gangster Act against main accused in these cases,” the CM reportedly told the Home Department officials.

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Giving a breakdown of those arrested, UP Police said the highest number of arrests have been made in Prayagraj (92) with three FIRs registered so far. In Saharanpur, three FIRs have been lodged and 79 people have been arrested. Three police officials were injured and two vehicles were damaged by the protesters, police said.

In Firozabad, 15 people have been arrested and one FIR has been filed, while in Aligarh, six have been arrested and one FIR has been filed. Fifty-one have been arrested in Hathras, and 35 in Moradabad where two police officials were injured. In Ambedkar Nagar, one FIR has been lodged and 34 people have been arrested. In Lakhimpur Kheri, one FIR has been lodged, but no arrests have been made. In Jalaun, one FIR has been lodged and four people have been arrested.

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