The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday transferred the city police chief and suspended 13 policemen on the charge of ‘negligence of duty’ in connection with Wednesday’s communal violence, while curfew was partially lifted from few localities.
Thirty people have been arrested on various charges ranging from looting, arson, rioting and defying prohibitory orders for the violence that erupted after four youths, attending a Muslim religious procession, were mowed down by a speeding truck in the wee hours on Wednesday.
“We have registered 10 cases and arrested 30 people for Wednesday’s violence. More arrests are taking place. We are also preparing to book some of the arsonists under the National Security Act,” Agra district magistrate Mukesh Meshram said. “Curfew will soon be lifted completely in areas under the Rakabganj and Loha Ki Mandi police stations,” he added. Curfew, however, continued in Nai Ki Mandi, Mantola, Loha Mandi and Rakabganj. The administration lifted the curfew completely in Sadar and Tajganj areas from 8 am to 6 pm on Thursday.
The police also made arrangements to help tourists stranded in the city. “Police parties have been directed to guide and escort tourists wherever necessary,” SN Singh, IG (Kanpur Zone) said.
{{/usCountry}}The police also made arrangements to help tourists stranded in the city. “Police parties have been directed to guide and escort tourists wherever necessary,” SN Singh, IG (Kanpur Zone) said.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, Agra violence had its echo in the Lok Sabha on Thursday with Samajwadi Party members targeting Mayawati government over its “failure” to tackle the situation.
The violence had erupted after a truck ran over four teenagers participating in a Shab-e-Baraat procession in Dhakran on Wednesday.