Kanpur's Police Commissioner Vijay Meena has said the situation is now under control.
Two groups clashed today in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur over a call to shut down markets following recent controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad by a BJP spokesperson. One group opposed the shutdown call by the other group, leading to clashes involving incidents of stone-pelting. The police had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and prevent further violence.
At least three cases have been filed against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her alleged comments against Prophet Mohammed during a recent news debate on the Gyanvapi issue.
Kanpur's Police Commissioner Vijay Singh Meena has said the situation is now under control. News agency PTI reported that 18 people have so far been arrested over the clashes. Me Meena refuted rumours that gunfire was heard and petrol bombs were also used during the clashes. Two people have been found to be hurt so far, he added.
"Some young men number 50-100 suddenly stepped out on the streets and started sloganeering. Another group opposed it and it escalated to stone-pelting. Around eight to ten cops were present at the spot then who tried to intervene and controlled the situation to some extent. The control room got informed immediately and senior officials including me reached the spot within 10 minutes. Those who were trying to instigate violence were chased away and we have detained around 15-20 people. We are interrogating them and the police are patrolling the entire area, The situation is under control right now. As per information recieved so far, two people have been hurt," Mr Meena said.
Videos shot during the clashes by journalists showed mobs on two sides of a road pelting stones at each other. Another video showed the police firing tear gas shells at the mob. A third video showed a group assaulting one man viciously till the police intervened and took him away.
"Those involved in the violence are being identified with help of video clips of the incident," PTI quoted Additional Director General (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar.
"The accused and the conspirators will be booked under Gangster Act and their properties will be seized or demolished," warned the officer.
Twelve companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been sent to the area to maintain law and order, police said. Senior officials are also being sent there to monitor the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind were at a function 80 kilometres away from the spot when the clashes broke out.
Appealing for peace, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded the arrest of Nupur Sharma for disturbing peace through her statements.
"Despite the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Minister being present in the city, remarks by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma disturbed the peace due to the failure of the police and intelligence agencies. She should be arrested for this," he tweeted in Hindi.
At least three cases have been filed against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her alleged comments against Prophet Mohammed during a recent news debate on the Gyanvapi issue.