Violence at Mahapanchayat in Meerut over BJP leader's arrest

Meerut, Sept 29: Supporters of BJP leader Sangeet Som, arrested for his alleged role in last month's

, clashed with security forces while trying to defy the ban on a proposed

, leading to violence in Meerut.

Media reported that the panchayat was planned to protest against his arrest and the imposition of the stringent National Security Act against the legislator.

Communal clashes between the Jats and Muslims killed nearly 50 people

The police had to resort to lathicharge to control the irate mob, which pelted stones at the policemen and security personnel. Some policemen were injured in the violence.

Over 2000 people, including a few local BJP leaders, gathered at a school ground in Khera village to Mr Som's arrest.

The police has imposed prohibitory orders in the area and heavy security is deployed.

Som's supporters planned the panchayat less than a month after communal clashes between the Jats and Muslims killed nearly 50 people and displaced more than 45,000 people in the adjoining Muzaffarnagar district.

A similar 'mahapanchayat' had acted as the trigger for the Muzaffarnagar violence.

Som was booked under the National Security Act earlier this week for allegedly making hate speeches and distributing a fake video on his Facebook page.

OneIndia News