Prophet Remark Row: UP Police Arrest 337 People For Friday Violence

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Kumar said, "A total of 337 accused arrested till 7 am today, in the wake of protests in the state on June 10."

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New Delhi: In connection with Friday's violence amid rallies over now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's controversial statements about Prophet Mohammad, the Uttar Pradesh Police have nabbed 337 persons from eight districts throughout the state, including Prayagraj and Saharanpur, news agency ANI reported.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said, "A total of 337 accused arrested till 7 am today, in the wake of protests in the state on June 10."

Providind district-wise details regarding the arrests, Kumar said, "92 from Prayagraj, 83 from Saharanpur, 52 from Hathras, 40 from Moradabad, 18 from Ferozabad, & 41 from Ambedkarnagar."

Uttar Pradesh | A total of 337 accused arrested till 7 am today, in the wake of protests in the state on June 10; 92 from Prayagraj, 83 from Saharanpur, 52 from Hathras, 40 from Moradabad, 18 from Ferozabad, & 41 from Ambedkarnagar; 13 FIRs: ADG Law & Order Prashant Kumar pic.twitter.com/quPAlKc4RM

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 14, 2022

According to the senior officer, out of the total 13 FIRs, three cases were filed in Prayagraj and Saharanpur, and one each in Firozabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Moradabad, Hathras, Aligarh, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Jalaun.

Earlier on Saturday, Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, who has repeatedly boasted about how the state has been free of riots under his watch, issued a strong warning against anti-social actions, PTI reported.

While issuing directives to officials, CM Adityanath said, "Strictest action will be taken against the anti-social elements involved in the chaotic efforts to spoil the atmosphere in various cities in the past few days."

"There is no place for such anti-social people in a civilised society. No innocent should be harassed, but not a single guilty should be spared," he said.

UP Protests

During demonstrations after Friday prayers in mosques in Prayagraj and Saharanpur on Friday, protesters threw stones at police officers.

During protest marches after Nupur Sharma's provocative statements on Prophet Mohammad, similar incidents were seen in at least four other towns.

The crowd in Prayagraj set fire to a few motorbikes and carts, as well as attempting to set fire to a police vehicle.

To disperse the demonstrators and restore quiet, police deployed tear gas and lathis.

According to reports, a police officer was hurt.

The BJP suspended Sharma after various Islamic countries condemned her statements against the Prophet during a TV debate.

(With Agencies Inputs)