Communal clashes in Kanpur over comment by BJP leader on Prophet Mohammad

Violence erupted in parts of Kanpur as members of two communities indulged in stone-pelting over attempts to shut shops in protest against comments made by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma on Prophet Mohammed.

According to the police, members of a particular community took to the streets in protest and shouted slogans. Members from another community opposed the protest and violence ensued between the two groups.

About half-a-dozen people, including street goers and onlookers, sustained serious injuries in the incident, the police have said.

Kanpur police commissioner Vijay Singh Meena, who reached the spot, told reporters, "Suddenly, around 50-100 people came and started raising slogans, which was opposed by the other side. Then there was stone pelting. The police force controlled the situation to a great extent.

“As of now, around 20 people have been taken into custody and are being interrogated. The police are patrolling the area,” he said.

The district magistrate said strict instructions have been issued to maintain a close vigil on the situation.

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