One killed and dozens injured as communal clashes erupted over flag march in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh. As per reports, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) volunteers, the students wing of the RSS, was taking a Tiranga Yatra where people from particular community pelted stones which led to clashes. Police had to resort to firing to bring the mob under control.
As per reports, on Friday morning, ABVP volunteers were taking a bike rally on Republic Day. When the rally reached a Muslim locality, the volunteers started chanting “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, on which some people of particular community got irked. This sparked violence in which sparked violence in which a 16 year old boy, Chandan, was killed. Two more youths were injured in the violence. The district administration has imposed curfew in the area and several people detained for interrogation.
Now, Chandan’s father has claimed that his son was killed when he refused to chant “Pakistan Zindabad”, as per reports.
According to the DNA report, the father has said :
“My son was stopped and asked to say ‘Pakistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad’. When Chandan refused, he was shot dead.” Chandan’s father said my son died while chanting ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.
Several people have been detained for interrogation. Action will be taken against those responsible after proper investigation: Anand Kumar, ADG #UttarPradesh ADG Law & order on one killed & one injured in firing in communal clash during ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Kasganj earlier today pic.twitter.com/7938604N9V
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 26, 2018
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed in the violence-hit areas and police patrolling has increased. Article 144 has also been imposed.
Meanwhile, some Twitter users pointed out the difference in reportage by the media when it comes to violence and communal clashes.
See what I’m saying. Even the “representative image” in Chandan’s case shows men with saffron flags burning furniture. pic.twitter.com/ae7QHNTaTq
— Spaminder Bharti (@attomeybharti) January 27, 2018
People even pointed out the lack of protests on death of a youth just because his death does not fall in line with the narrative.
Chandan Gupta was killed
in firing in communal clash during ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Kasganj earlier today
Peacefuls at work.
Did anybody say democracy , secularism ,idea of India is in danger ?
Any 24/7 shouting, screaming on TV ? pic.twitter.com/WcVoFH51Ga— Madhulika kak (@madskak) January 26, 2018
Meanwhile, ABVP has refuted claims by some media houses of the event being organised by ABVP.
We condemn firing by extremist elements in Kasganj town of Uttar Pradesh today, demand state government to take immediate action to restore normalcy. Some media houses are wrongly reporting it to be an ABVP event. ABVP appeals them to refrain from rumour mongering @AshishSainram
— ABVP (@ABVPVoice) January 26, 2018
Sangeeta Gupta, Chandan’s mother has reportedly said :
“If saying Hindustan zindabad even after staying in the country is a crime, then shoot us too”.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81WpeyeRk5I]
As per reports, 49 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence that erupted in Kasganj.
Note : This report has been updated as per new information that was reported in the media
