UP: Man killed, another injured as communal clashes break out in Kasganj

Police said the incident occurred when members of a right-wing organisation had an altercation with members of another community while taking out a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ on the occasion of Republic Day.

A man was killed and another injured after communal violence broke out at Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh on Friday morning.

Lanes of Kasganj lie deserted after the clashes. (HT Photo)

Police said the incident occurred when members of a right-wing organisation had an altercation with members of another community while taking out a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ on the occasion of Republic Day. The deceased was identified as Chandan, a 23-year-old resident of the city.

“The clashes took place while two dozen youngsters were driving through a locality on motorcycles. Members of a certain community objected to certain slogans that were being raised,” Kasganj district magistrate RP Singh told Hindustan Times.

Soon, the two groups began shooting and pelting stones at each other. The injured man, 35-year-old Naushad, was taken to a hospital.

Police said armed mobs turned up on the streets, ignoring police ultimatums to return to their homes. However, Singh denied that restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC were imposed in the area. ‘We have summoned security personnel from other districts and recruited the help of the Rapid Action Force too. The situation is under control,” the district magistrate said.

The violence, which originated near Bilram Gate, hit traffic on the arterial Mathura-Bareilly road too. Half a dozen vehicles, besides several commercial establishments in the city, were targeted by the frenzied mob.