Prayagraj Violence: UP Police Raze 'Illegally Constructed' Residence Of 'Mastermind' Javed Ahmed

UP Police's demolition drive came after Javed Ahmed was named as the "mastermind" of the violence which broke out during a protest in Prayagraj after Friday prayers on June 10.

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday razed an "illegally constructed" residence of Prayagraj violence accused Javed Ahmed, after the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) earlier put a demolition notice at the residence. A heavy security force was deployed in front of the property. This came after UP Police named Ahmed as the "mastermind" of the violence which broke out during a protest in the city after Friday prayers on June 10. The protests were against suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma over her recent controversial remarks regarding Prophet Muhammad.

According to news agency ANI, posters and flags were taken out of the residence of Prayagraj violence accused Javed Ahmed during the demolition drive.

Uttar Pradesh Police detained the "mastermind" of the violence on Saturday. Prayagraj Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Kumar informed that names of some people linked with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have surfaced and that there could be more masterminds behind the violence.

"Mastermind Javed Ahmed detained, there could be more masterminds...The anti-social elements used minor kids to hurl stones at the police and administration. A case registered under 29 crucial sections. Action will be taken under Gangster Act and the NSA," he told reporters, as quoted by ANI. "Names of some people from AIMIM have surfaced, we are gathering evidence against them," he added.

The Prayagraj SSP informed that there are 70 named accused and over 5000 unnamed in the violence and Action will be taken under the Gangster Act and NSA.

Several incidents of violence including sloganeering and stone-pelting were reported from several parts of Uttar Pradesh after Friday prayers when people began protesting against the inflammatory statements of suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled party leader Naveen Kumar Jindal.

When asked about action against Javed Ahmed's daughter, SSP Ajay Kumar said that she "is a student in Delhi is also involved in such activities... If needed, we will contact Delhi Police and send our teams."