Six hurt, 18 held in Kanpur violence over closure of shops after Friday prayers: Cops

Kanpur violence: Some locals observed a shutdown and took out a procession after Friday prayers to protest an allegedly insulting remark about Prophet Mohammad made by a BJP leader on national television. Soon after, a clash broke out.

At least six persons were injured after violence erupted in Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh on Friday as members of the minority community clashed with police. 

A video grab of the violence as received by Hindustan Times. (Sourced)

Police said 18 people were arrested in connection with the violence. The injured were rushed to the hospital. A senior police officer also suffered injuries in the clashes.

According to reports, the violence broke out in the Becongunj area near Yatimkhana after police baton-charged some locals. Hundreds of people soon took to the streets in protest.

Some locals, including shopkeepers, reportedly observed a shutdown and had taken out a procession after Friday prayers over an allegedly insulting remark about Prophet Mohammad made by a BJP spokes on national television. Soon after, the clash broke out. Police said action would be initiated against the accused under provisions of the Gangster Act for creating tension in the city.

While initially the situation was brought under control, the violence resumed a little later with at least two shots being fired. 

Additional director general (ADG) of police, law and order, Prashant Kumar, said the violence broke out when one group tried to oppose forced closure of markets by Muslim groups after Friday prayers. He said while 18 people were arrested, while further identification of trouble-makers were been done through video clips and photographs collected from different sources.

He said over 12 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary were rushed to Kanpur to bring the situation under control.

Joint commissioner of police Anand Prakash Tiwari said an investigation was underway and efforts were being to bring the situation under control. A number senior officials have reached the spot.

While appealing for peace, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) said such an incident taking place when the country's President, Prime Minister and UP chief minister are in town is shameful for the state and those in charge of its law and order.