Lucknow: Eleven people were arrested on Friday after a violent clash broke out between members of two communities during Holi celebrations in Bachhrawan town of Rae Bareli district.Police said 11 people, including 3 women, were injured in the clash. Of these, two were reported to be in serious condition.
The incident occurred around 1.30 pm on Thursday in the Sabzi Mandi locality when a group of youths from one community moved through the area playing Holi, dancing and singing to the tunes of a DJ. When the group reached the neighbourhood, some members of another community objected to the DJ music and asked them to stop it. The objection soon led to a heated argument, which quickly escalated into violence. Police said that stones and bricks were allegedly thrown from rooftops, triggering panic in the area. As tensions escalated, several people reportedly came down to the street and attacked others with knives and sharp-edged weapons. During the clash, 11 people sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to the community health centre (CHC) in Bachhrawan. Doctors later referred two to the district hospital due to the seriousness of their injuries. Following the incident, angry residents gathered at the Bachhrawan police station and staged a protest that continued for nearly four hours. Police registered an FIR on the complaint of Kuldeep Kumar against Shibu, Sahil, Hasnu Jagar and several other named and unidentified people under multiple sections of the IPC and provisions of the SC/ST Act. Meanwhile, police are also probing whether the attack was pre-planned, as bricks and stones were allegedly found stored on rooftops in advance. Officials said they are examining all aspects, including allegations of assault on women and knife attacks. Superintendent of police, Rae Bareli, Ravi Kumar said the situation is currently peaceful and under control.
