Kasganj clash: 49 arrested, section 144 still imposed in UP

Hours after violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Kasganj district between two groups in a communal clash, 49 people have been arrested in connection with the conflict and section 144 is still imposed in the state.

While nine accused have been arrested on charges of murder and rioting, 39 have been arrested for disruption of law and order situation, which include those who torched buses and shops.

A Special Investigative Team (SIT) has been formed to arrest the others accused in the violence.

"Till now, 49 people have been arrested in connection with Kasganj clash. Section 144 is still imposed in the state. While borders have been sealed too," RP Singh, Kasganj District Magistrate.

Despite imposition of a curfew, two buses were damaged and five shops belonging to a particular community were set ablaze, following the cremation of Chandan Gupta who died in firing during the clash between two groups.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had condoled the loss of life and told the police to sternly deal with the culprits.

Earlier in the day, one person died and two were injured after a clash broke out between two communities during 'Tiranga Yatra'.

Both the groups reportedly pelted stones at each other and also fired bullets at each other.

The clash broke out after "unauthorised" yatra was being taken out from a communally-sensitive area and some youths, participating in the rally, allegedly raised objectionable slogans.

Local officials said the security has been beefed up in the city.

Meanwhile, the victim's family was demanding the status of a martyr for the deceased.