Anti-CAA protestor behind Kanpur violence, say cops as BJP decries ‘pre-planned conspiracy’
India Today
Police said anti-CAA protestor and local Muslim leader Hayat Zafar Hashmi was the main conspirator behind the Kanpur violence. BJP leader Mohsin Raza claimed the incident was pre-planned to coincide with PM Modi’s visit.
The Kanpur Police has identified local Muslim leader Hayat Zafar Hashmi as the main conspirator behind the violence that erupted in the city’s Parade Chowk area on Friday. He is among the 40 accused named in the FIR in the case.
Police said Hayat Zafar Hashmi, who is the national president of the Maulana Muhammad Jauhar Ali Fans Association, called the market shutdown to protest against the controversial remarks about Prophet Mohammed made by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma during TV news debate.
It is alleged that Hashmi incited the people, which led to stone pelting and clashes between two groups that left more than 30, including several police personnel, injured.
In the past, Hashmi was also allegedly involved in violent demonstrations against the proposed Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens in Kanpur.
Additional Director General (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar has warned that those involved will be booked under the stringent Gangsters Act and their properties seized or demolished.
The other accused named in the FIR are Ehitsham Kabadi, Zeeshan, Aaqib, Nizam, Azizur, Aamir Javed, Imran Kale, Yusuf Mansuri, among others. Three FIRs over rioting and violence have been lodged against over 1,000 unknown persons.
Police said 35 arrests have been made so far after overnight raids, and efforts are on to identify others involved in the violence by sifting through videos and CCTV footage. Links to the Popular Front of India (PFI) is also being probed.
