Kanpur Violence: At Least 36 Arrested As CM Yogi Directs Strict Action; Properties Of Rioters To Be Seized

At least 36 people were arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police after violence broke out in Kanpur on Friday (3 June).

Additional director general (ADG) of police, law and order, Prashant Kumar, said the violence broke out when one group tried to oppose forced closure of markets by Muslim groups after Friday prayers.

Kumar said that the police will take action against the rioters based on video footage of the incident.

"Action under Gangster Act will be taken against conspirators and their property will be either seized or demolished," he said.

Meanwhile, UP CM Yogi Adityanath has directed the directory general of police (DGP) and state chief secretary along with additional chief secretary (Home) to invoke Gangster Act and National Security Act (NSA) against the trouble makers, imposing strictest sections to make the action a deterrent for others.

CM Yogi has reportedly also issued directives to the officers to seize the property of culprits, and use bulldozer if necessary so that no one dares to vitiate the atmosphere by spreading communal frenzy in the state in future.

A number of vehicles were damaged and shops have been looted in the violence.

Following the violence, security has been tightened in Kanpur.

Kanpur police commissioner Vijay Meena said that the situation is under control and police personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations.

"Three FIRs have been registered and 36 people identified. Strict actions will be taken against miscreants," Meena was quoted by ANI as saying.

"We've briefed our police personnel to be alert at their respective locations & we're also doing a route march and patrolling to build confidence among the public. The situation is under control, traffic is functioning regularly and there are no issues anywhere," he added.