Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh witnessed a disturbing episode of communal violence on Tuesday after false claims of stone-pelting during a Ram Navami procession triggered attacks on Muslim-owned shops, reported the Clarion India. Hundreds of Hindu men, wielding saffron flags, vandalised and looted multiple establishments belonging to members of the Muslim community.
By Wednesday, police officials confirmed that the allegations of stone-pelting were completely baseless. Deputy Police Commissioner Shrawan Kumar Singh stated, “Our investigation revealed that no such incident took place. We are probing the origin of this rumour, which led to widespread damage. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.”
A viral video circulating on social media showed the mob indiscriminately attacking shops and stealing goods. Following this, Kanpur police arrested nearly 200 individuals, including several BJP leaders and RSS workers, for orchestrating the violence and disturbing communal harmony.
The Uttar Pradesh Congress slammed the Yogi Adityanath-led government on X, blaming the incident on the spread of communal hatred and calling it a direct result of polarising politics. The party also shared another video in which participants of the Ram Navami procession were seen destroying property as they passed through a Muslim neighbourhood.
Kanpur police have registered nine separate FIRs related to various disturbances during the Ram Navami events. Cases include violations of sound permissions, mischief, and disorder in areas like Gaganganj, Moolganj, Chakeri, and Panki.
Authorities are also searching for a YouTuber accused of spreading the fake stone-pelting news that ignited the chaos. Investigations are ongoing, and a case has also been filed against several unidentified persons for breaching peace and order.
