Massive security deployed in Kasganj after permission for 'Tiranga Yatra' denied

Lucknow, Aug 14: To prevent a Republic Day-like incident in which a youth had died in communal clashes, the administration in Uttar Pradesh's Kasganj have not only denied right wing groups to take out a 'Tiranga Yatra' but also imposed section 144 ahead of the Independence Day.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Kasganj Shivhari Meena reportedly said that some groups had sought permission to take out a 'Tiranga Yatra' march, but it was denied so as to prevent any communal flare up.

"Nobody will be allowed to disturb peace and harmony in any way on Independence Day. People are requested to celebrate the day in good spirit. Section 144 has been imposed in the area. Three companies of Provincial Armed Forces (PAC) and two companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed in Kasganj to keep a check on any unwanted situation," a News 18 report quoted Commissioner Aligarh (Zone) Ajaydeep Singh as saying.

Youth protesting Kasganj against Chandan's killing

During Tiranga Yatra on the Republic Day, a 22-year-old youth, Chandan Gupta, was killed after which a series of violence and communal clashes broke out in Kasganj.

The police in Kasganj are on their toes as intelligence reports indicate that some right wing groups may try to take out a march despite permission being denied.

Chandan Gupta's mother

Apart from Kasganj, other districts like Bareilly, Aligarh, Purvanchal and parts of Western Uttar Pradesh have also been marked as "sensitive" ahead of August 15 celebrations.

According to reports, various organisations had sought permission to organise yatras on August 15, claiming that it was a tradition, but the district magistrate has not granted any permission to them.

File photo of January's Kaganj violence

The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier this year sent a report to the Centre giving details of the communal violence in Kasganj, where one person was killed and two others were injured, and the steps taken so far. The state government's report contained details about the arrests made by the UP Police and circumstances leading to the death of the lone victim Chandan Gupta.

Rapid Action Force being deployed in Kasganj in January this year

The government conveyed to the Union home ministry that the police are investigating the case and all facts are being ascertained to know if the violence was pre-planned.