UP: Communal Tension Defused In Unnao During Holi; Police Deny Lathicharge Amid Procession In Shahjahanpur
During Holi celebrations, communal tension was defused in Unnao after intoxicated youths disrupted the peace. In Shahjahanpur, children threw stones at the "Laat Sahab" procession, prompting police intervention.
The Uttar Pradesh Police defused communal tension in Unnao during Holi celebrations after intoxicated youths allegedly attempted to disrupt public order. Meanwhile, in Shahjahanpur, children reportedly threw stones at the ‘Laat Sahab’ procession, prompting police action.
In Unnao, a group of miscreants on motorcycles allegedly hurled clothes and stones at houses belonging to a particular community, creating unrest, news agency IANS reported police as informing.
BREAKING | उन्नाव में होली के जुलूस के दौरान लाठीचार्ज@awdheshkmishrahttps://t.co/smwhXUROiK #UttarPradesh #Unnao #Holi #Holi2025 #UPPolice pic.twitter.com/6xDJZVCLPj
— ABP News (@ABPNews) March 14, 2025
Circle Officer (CO) Bangarmau, Arvind Chaurasia, said, "During Holi celebrations, a group of intoxicated youths created a ruckus, using abusive language and making inappropriate remarks. Despite initial warnings and attempts to pacify them, they continued to disrupt public order."
Unnao, Uttar Pradesh: Tension flared in Unnao as miscreants attempted to disrupt communal harmony during Holi celebrations. Allegedly intoxicated youths on motorcycles threw clothes and stones at houses of a particular community
— IANS (@ians_india) March 14, 2025
CO Bangarmau Arvind Chaurasia says, "During Holi… pic.twitter.com/oK36puhWvF
Authorities intervened to disperse the group. Chaurasia added, "We dispersed them after the use of force. There was peace at the spot; there was no problem anywhere."
Children Throw Stones At ‘Laat Sahab’ Procession In Shahjahanpur
During the 'Laat Sahab' procession in Shahjahanpur on Friday, a group of children allegedly threw stones at 'Laat Sahab', but the police promptly intervened and dispersed them. Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh S stated that the procession began from Kunchalal, passed through Phoolmati Mandir and Town Hall, and concluded back at Kunchalal.
At Khirni Bagh intersection, five to six children reportedly hurled gulal, shoes, and slippers at 'Laat Sahab' before throwing a stone, news agency PTI reported. The police present at the scene chased them away.
VIDEO | Uttar Pradesh: Clashes between police and civilians reportedly broke out in Shahjahanpur earlier today. More details are awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 14, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos: https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#UttarPradesh #Holi pic.twitter.com/RZ92GuJWHD
Addressing concerns about police action, the SP denied that a lathicharge had taken place, as per PTI.
As per tradition, the procession first stopped at Phoolmati Mandir, where 'Laat Sahab' offered prayers, before reaching Kotwali, where he was saluted. Following this, 'Laat Sahab' inquired about the crimes committed throughout the year, and in response, the police officer symbolically handed over a bottle of liquor and cash as a bribe.
According to police sources cited by PTI, thousands of revellers participated in the event, throwing shoes at 'Laat Sahab' while chanting "Laat Sahab ki Jai." A strong security ring was formed around the bullock cart carrying 'Laat Sahab'.
SP Rajesh S mentioned that alongside the 'Bade Laat Sahab' procession, 18 similar processions take place in the city, with two being particularly significant. The entire route was sectioned into three zones and eight sectors to maintain order.
Municipal Commissioner Vipin Kumar Mishra noted that around 20 mosques along the procession route were covered with tarpaulin to prevent them from being coloured. Barricades were also installed near mosques and electric transformers as a precautionary measure.
For the first time, a symbolic 'Laat Sahab' procession was held inside the district jail. Jail Superintendent Mijaji Lal stated that, on the request of inmates, an effigy of 'Laat Sahab' was created, allowing prisoners to partake in Holi celebrations by applying colours to one another.
The 'Laat Sahab' procession dates back to 1728 when Nawab Abdullah Khan of Shahjahanpur would traverse the city, celebrating Holi with the people. Over time, the tradition evolved into its current form, where an unknown individual is designated as 'Laat Sahab', his face is blackened, and he is paraded through the streets on a buffalo cart while being pelted with shoes and slippers.
Historian Dr Vikas Khurana recalled that in 1990, a petition was filed in the high court seeking a ban on the procession. However, the court declined to intervene, citing its historical significance.
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