Communal clash in UP over installing Durga idol; 6 policemen injured

Six policemen were injured when they tried to intervene in a clash between members of two communities over installing a Durga idol in the Sisaye Salon locality here, police said Thursday.

The incident occurred Wednesday when some people tried to install the idol of Goddess Durga in the Risiya police station area without permission of the authorities concerned, Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Ravindra Kumar Singh said.

People from the other community objected to it, leading to a clash. The members from the Hindu and Muslim communities indulged in brick-batting, he said.

The clashing groups also attacked the police team rushed to control the situation. Six policemen -- two sub-inspectors and four constables -- were injured in the incident, the ASP said.

He said he was not aware if there were any injuries suffered by the clashing groups.

Police have registered cases against 290 people of the two communities, naming 40 of them. 15 of them have been arrested, he said.

The officer said additional force has been deployed in the area, and the situation is under control.

District Magistrate Mala Srivastava and SP Sabharaj Singh also visited the area.

Orders were issued earlier against installation of idols, especially at disputed places, without permission, the ASP said.