Security forces carry out safety drills in Allahabad

Allahabad, Sep 1: Security forces on Saturday carried out safety drills in Allahabad after a Muslim mob resorted to vandalism over the alleged desecration of the Quran.

Police had placed certain quarters of Allahabad under curfew on Friday after scores of Muslims went on rampage, pelting stones at others in the communally-sensitive town after they found a torn and damaged Quran inside a mosque.

On Saturday morning, the police carried out a safety drill in the curfew-imposed areas to infuse a sense of security among residents.

Additional forces had to be deployed to prevent another flare up. A strong posse of security personnel, including PAC officers, policemen and the Rapid Action Force, have been deployed in the tense areas.

"We are just trying to ensure that anti-social elements do not take advantage of the situation. The curfew will be relaxed as the situation gets back to normal. We are trying that it happens as early as possible," said Ashish Goel, District Magistrate of Allahabad.

The violence spread to other areas of the city and curfew was later imposed in Kareli, Shahganj, Khuldabad, Kotwali and some parts of Dhoomanganj.

Meanwhile, the District Magistrate and the leaders of social organisations have appealed to people to maintain peace and not be misled by rumours.

ANI>