Schools, colleges to remain closed after Varanasi violence

Violence erupted in Varanasi when saints and Hindu religious groups protested against a lathi charge and ban on immersion of idols in Ganga

Schools, colleges and other institutions remain closed in Varanasi on Tuesday, following Monday's violence that erupted when saints and Hindu religious groups were protesting against a lathi charge and ban on immersion of idols in Ganga.

The orders were issued by the district magistrate Rajmani Yadav after Monday's situation in the temple town, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which witnessed violence during a 'Pratikar Yatra'.

Situation limped back to normal and curfew imposed in four police station areas was lifted by Monday midnight, an official said, adding schools and colleges were closed as a matter of caution.

Violence erupted when there was a sudden stone pelting and the rallyists turned violent and started targeting the police personnel escorting them.

Rapid Action Force (RAF) and provincial armed constabulary (PAC) have been deployed in Varanasi, Dalji Chowdhary, additional director general of police (Law and Order) said.

At least 26 people have been arrested for their involvement in the violence, that injured over 50 people, including a magistrate and a circle officer.

The procession, attended by over 10,000 people, was called by many Hindu groups to protest against a lathi charge and banning of immersion of idols in river Ganga, as has been the tradition during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri.