4 injured in clash during Holi preparations in UP

At least four people were injured after a clash broke out between members of two communities during preparations for Holi in Hari Nagar locality under Brahmpuri police station limits on Sunday evening.

Heavy police force has been deployed in the region and paramilitary forces were patrolling the area on Monday. Kamlesh Prajapati, a resident of the area, said, “We were raising funds for the Holika Dahan ceremony when some youths from another community made derogatory remarks, leading to verbal altercations.”

On the other hand, Sabeena Mewati, another resident, claimed that the dispute took place over a money dispute. “My relative Furkaan lent Rs 2,000 to one Kapil and asked him to return the money. However, Kapil, who was under the influence of alcohol, refused and got into a brawl.”

According to the police, several members of both the communities resorted to stone pelting, which damaged vehicles and windows of houses. SP (city) Piyush Kumar said, “An FIR has been lodged against nine people. Besides, several unidentified people have also been booked under IPC sections 307 (attempt to murder), 147 and 148 (rioting), 332 (negligent act to endanger a person life) and 504 (provocative statements).”