UP Violence: 237 People Arrested As CM Yogi Issues Stern Action Against ‘Anti-Social Elements’

The top cop added that 55 people were arrested in Saharanpur, 28 in Ambedkarnagar, 25 in Moradabad, eight in Firozabad and three is Aligarh.

Miscreants throw stones on police during a protest over controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad, in Prayagraj, Friday, June 10. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: Around 237 people were arrested from various districts of Uttar Pradesh in connection with the violence on Friday during protests against the controversial remarks of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma, PTI reported. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar, according to the news agency, in a statement on Saturday said among those arrested, 68 were held in Prayagraj and 50 in Hathras.

The top cop added that 55 people were arrested in Saharanpur, 28 in Ambedkarnagar, 25 in Moradabad, eight in Firozabad and three is Aligarh.

The police officials said action will be taken against those arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) in Saharanpur and Prayagraj.

This comes as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned of strict action against those attempting to vitiate the atmosphere.

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 added issuing directives to the officials.

Mrityunjay Kumar, the media advisor to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, in a tweet in Hindi said: “Remember, every Friday is followed by a Saturday” and posted a photo of a bulldozer demolishing a building.

Earlier on Friday, the locals pelted stones at the police personnel in Prayagraj and Saharanpur during their protests after Friday prayers in mosques.

The mob set on fire a few motorcycles and carts and also attempted to set ablaze a police vehicle in Prayagraj.

The police used tear gas and lathis to disperse the protesters and restored peace.

One police personnel was, however, injured as stone-pelting continued for over 15 minutes in Prayagraj.

Similar scenes were witnessed in Saharanpur where the protesters raised slogans against Sharma and demanded death sentence for her.

There were protests in Bijnor, Moradabad, Rampur and Lucknow as well.

The BJP has suspended Sharma from the party’s primary membership as several Islamic countries condemned her comments on the Prophet during a TV debate.

The order in this regard was issued by the BJP Central Disciplinary Committee.

“You have expressed views contrary to the Party’s position on various matters, which is in clear violation of Rule 10 (a) of constitution of the Bharatiya Janata Party,” said the order issued to Sharma by Om Pathak, Member Secretary, Central Disciplinary Committee.

“I have been directed to convey to you that pending further inquiry, you are suspended from the party and from your responsibilities/assignments if any, with immediate effect,” Pathak added.