Centre blames UP government for Mathura violence

NEW DELHI: The Centre today blamed the Uttar Pradesh government for the violence in Mathura in which at least 24 people, including an SP and SHO, lost their lives.

"Definitely there was lapse," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters.

He was replying to a question on whether there was lapse on the part of the Akhilesh Yadav government in handling the situation yesterday.

Rijiju said the "unfortunate" incident in Mathura was a matter of "grave concern" and condemnable and action must be taken to improve the situation.

"It was a big incident and there was setback," he said.

The minister said the Home Ministry was awaiting for a detailed report from the Uttar Pradesh government about the circumstances leading to the incident and reasons.

The Home Ministry has already sought a report from the state government about the incident.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has also spoken to Akhilesh and reviewed the prevailing situation.