Three FIRs were registered by the police against thousands in the crowd involved in the clashes that broke out on 3rd June. The 55 people named as accused are Muslims. So far, approximately 30-40 people have been arrested.
BJP’s spokesperson, Nupur Sharma, had made offensive remarks on Prophet Mohammad hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community. BJP has suspended her and released a statement that says “BJP respects all religions” and more.
The violence started at Kanpur’s Nai Sadak, Yateemkana and Parade, where the mobs tossed stones in the air and at each other. The police are trying to identify others and will take appropriate action against them.
The clashes broke out when some of the owners/workers of the shops did not agree to close the shops in protest against the BJP leader on the urge of the protestors. Soon the situation got out of control, when both the communities joined and became aggressive. All along, while the clashes were going on, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath were in Kanpur less than 100 kilometers away from the place of the violence.
During the whole incident, six people were injured and some vehicles were damaged as well. Allegations have been made that country-made petrol bombs were being used, which have been denied by the Police.
The political leaders made several remarks as to how this incident is a failure of law and order and some have even demanded legal action against Nupur Sharma.