A heavy police force has been deployed in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh after communal violence erupted at Qazipur late Sunday night following a tiff between the muezzin of the village mosque and some persons.
Among the many injured in violence and arson are the Additional Divisional Magistrate (city) of Meerut and the Station House Officer of the Jaani police station.
Three persons who were involved in an attack on the muezzin were arrested on Monday and sent to jail, Special Director-General (law and order ) Brij Lal said here.
Nine companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and four companies of the Rapid Action Force were deployed in Meerut district and vigil was intensified in the village and surrounding areas.
Mr. Lal said a dispute arose between Iqrar Ahmed, muezzin of the Chhoti Masjid and some persons.
An FIR was lodged at the Kharkhauda police station against two named and two unnamed persons by the muezzin.
Demanding action against the accused, about 150 of his supporters blocked traffic on the Meerut-Hapur highway. The jam was eased following intervention by police and administrative officials.
Later, violence erupted when some anti-social elements resorted to arson and brickbatting at the L block crossing under the Nauchandi police station.
Mr. Lal said the police were gathering evidence to identify the persons involved in the attack on the police and administration officials.
Photographic evidence and help from journalists were being sought.
