Tension prevails in Meerut after communal clash

MEERUT: Tension today prevailed in some areas of the city after a clash between two communities over construction of a water kiosk near a mosque left seven persons injured even as police registered cases against 200 persons in connection with the violence.

Security has been tightened in the city following the clash yesterday with eight companies of Rapid Action Force and six companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary deployed, SSP Omkar Singh told PTI.

Seven persons were injured, one of them seriously, in the clash which saw both sides pelting stones and opening fire at each other, he said.

According to unverified reports, 24 people have been injured in the clashes.

Cases have been registered against 200 persons in this connection, he said, adding more persons will be booked after identifying them from the video footage of the incident.

Strict action will also be taken against persons involved in spreading rumours about the clash, Singh said.

According to police sources, tension prevailed in some parts of the city after the violence.

Members of two communities clashed over construction of a water kiosk near a mosque in Teergaran area.

In view of the clash, the famous Nauchandi Mela, which was to end tomorrow, has been winded up.

Many traders, who were hopeful of earning good revenue in these two days, winded up their shops yesterday.

The mela, which usually begins on the second Sunday after the Holi festival started on April 11 this time due to ongoing Lok Sabha elections.