Kasganj, Kheri witness clashes during Ambedkar Jayanti events

Lucknow: Isolated incidents of clashes were reported in Kasganj and Lakhimpur Kheri during the Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations. There was a minor scuffle in Lucknow as well. Police said the overall situation remained under control, with a total of 38 arrests made and six FIRs registered across three districts.In Kasganj’s Sahawar area, a disagreement over the route of a procession led to a brief confrontation between two groups. Reports of stone-pelting also surfaced during the incident. Police and senior officials promptly reached the spot and pacified both sides. SP Om Prakash Singh said 23 people have been arrested and the situation is now peaceful, with adequate force deployed as a precaution.In Lakhimpur Kheri, a dispute within members of the same community over the installation of a statue of BR Ambedkar led to a scuffle. The disagreement reportedly arose when one group attempted to install the statue, which was opposed by another faction. During the altercation, the statue was damaged and a woman, identified as Chanda Devi, sustained minor injuries. DM Durga Shakti Nagpal and SP Khyati Garg rushed to the spot with police force and ensured the situation was stabilised. Officials said attempts by some elements to spread rumours were promptly countered.DGP, Rajeev Krishna told TOI that the situation in both Lakhimpur Kheri and Kasganj was under control, with senior officers deployed on the ground. He said eight people have been arrested in Kheri, while arrests are also underway in Kasganj. “Strict action is being taken against miscreants and those attempting to incite tensions, he added, noting that the situation is being closely monitored from the DGP headquarters,” he said.In Lucknow’s Banthra area, a dispute broke out between two groups in Ambedkar Nagar village over garlanding a statue of BR Ambedkar. The argument escalated into a scuffle. Minor injuries were reported on both sides. Based on complaints, seven accused have been arrested, said additional DCP, South Zone, Vasant Kumar.