Varanasi: A dispute broke out between two groups during a Tazia procession being taken out on the Nai Sadak-Aurangabad route on the 10th day of Muharram, on Friday. Within moments, scores of people gathered at the spot, creating an atmosphere of chaos for some time. According to reports, as the dispute escalated, those taking out the procession and prominent members of the community came forward and tried to pacify both sides. Police too appealed to people to maintain restraint and to proceed with peacefully. Some people continued to create a ruckus, following which the police used mild force and controlled the situation. Police removed those involved in the dispute from the spot and dispersed the crowd. After that, the situation normalised and the Tazia procession proceeded along its designated route. There is no report of anyone being seriously injured during the incident. Meanwhile, a video of the incident site went viral on social media. In the video, the police are seen removing some people and using mild force. Senior police and administrative officers reached the spot and assessed the situation. The officers spoke to the procession organisers and local people and appealed to maintain peace and order. Police said that the situation is completely under control and the entire sequence of events is being investigated. If anyone’s role in attempting to disturb law and order came to light, action will be taken against them.Traffic on the Nai Sadak-Aurangabad route remained affected for some time, but was normalised by the police. As a precautionary measure, additional police force was deployed in the entire area for peaceful conduct of Muharram events.
