Communal violence and arson continued for the second day in Bareilly on Monday, forcing authorities to clamp curfew in six police station areas. In Sunday’s incidents one person was killed and over a dozen, including nine policemen, injured.
Two companies of the Border Security Force (BSF), along with one company of the Rapid Action Force and seven companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), have been deployed to bring the situation under control. The police were found wanting as incidents of group clashes and brickbatting were reported.
Inspector General (Law and Order) Badri Prasad Singh admitted that the security forces were stretched as sporadic incidents occurred in different areas of the city.
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Curfew has been imposed in Kotwali, Quila, Baradari, Premnagar, Subhash Nagar and Aonla.
Police officials declined to give the number of persons arrested.
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Violence erupted on Sunday following an altercation between a group of kawarias” (devotees of Lord Shiva) and Muslims over the use of loudspeakers in Aonla.
Peace was restored in Aonla but the riots spread to Shahganj and other areas of the town late on Sunday night.
Mr. Singh said five persons were injured in stone-throwing and firing near the Matt police outpost.
Violence soon engulfed the other areas of Bareilly as the rioters went on the rampage burning commercial establishments, vehicles and shops. They also indulged in heavy stone-throwing and also resorted to firing. Four PAC personnel and five policemen, including the city SP, S.S. Singh received pellet injuries. They were reported to be out of danger.
An owner of a zardozi shop was killed in stone-throwing in Baradari.
Rioters and anti-social elements defied the ban orders with impunity, reports said. Senior police officers, including the ADG (Law and Order) Jagmohan Yadav are camping in the town.