New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh ADG (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar on Friday said 18 people were arrested so far in connection with the violence that broke out in Kanpur over a BJP leader Nupur Sharma's recent remarks on Prophet Muhammad. Nearly 10 people sustained serious injuries in the incident that took place in Kanpur's Parade Market.
Addressing a press conference, Prashant Kumar said action would be taken against culprits under the Gangster Act and their property would be either seized or demolished, ANI reported.
"Some people tried to shut down shops. It was opposed by the other group. Clash broke out between them. Police reached there immediately and tried to control situation. Senior officers reached there right after and controlled the situation using force," ANI quoted Kumar as saying.
"Government has taken it very seriously. Hooligans being identified, 18 arrested so far. We've video footage, we'll take action. Action under Gangster Act will be taken against conspirators and their property will be either seized or demolished," he further said.
Twelve companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been sent to the area to maintain law and order. "Officials have been asked to keep a round the clock vigil. The UP government will not allow law and order to be disturbed in any situation," Kumar said.
The violence took place in Kanpur's Parade Market, which is just 70 km away from Kanpur Dehat district where President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended an event together.
Some local leaders, including Maulana Mohammed Ali (MMA) Jauhar Fans Association chief Hayat Zafar Hashmi, had called for closure of shops on Friday in protest against Nupur Sharma's remarks, PTI reported. The clashes erupted after members of one of the groups attempted to shut shops belonging to the other community.
The two sides hurled bombs and opened fire as hundreds of people came out on the streets. Police used tear gas shells to bring the situation under control.
Kanpur's District Magistrate Neha Sharma told PTI, "Members of a particular community took to the street in protest and indulged in violence. Several people were seriously injured and have been sent for medical assistance.
Earlier this week, an FIR was registered against Nupur Sharma in Pune and Mumbai for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through her comments on Prophet Muhammad during a television news debate, PTI reported.
(With inputs from agencies)