Clashes in Kannauj; one dead in firing, over 20 injured

Violence broke out in Kannauj over a issue involving a landlord and the tenant late Sunday night. One person was killed and more than 20 people were in firing and brick batting.

One person was killed and more than 20 others injured after clashes broke out Sunday night between two sections over an issue involving a landlord and his tenant.

An angry mob went on the rampage and burnt down several shops after a young man, identified as Azad, was killed by a stray bullet.

DIG Kanpur Neelabhjo Chowdhary said the police have identified trouble makers and were conducting raids for their arrest.

Trouble started when a mob attacked the landlord who had gone to negotiate the evacuation of a shop which has been with another family on rent for over 100 years.

The landlord, aged around 70, was accosted by a group of 60-70 men while he was leaving the site and beaten up mercilessly. The local leader of a political party is said to be have instigated the mob into attacking the landlord.

This evoked a sharp reaction from the other side, leading to brickbatting and indiscriminate firing.

Tensions continue to prevail in the district and a heavy police force has been deployed to prevent further trouble.