One person killed, 12 injured in communal clash in Kanpur

A man was killed and twelve persons including six policemen were injured in a clash between members of two communities with mobs setting ablaze shops and houses in Ghatampur area today.

The violence was apparently a fallout of a rumour that two minor boys belonging to a community were beaten to death after they were caught stealing from a house in Bheetar village, DM Roshan Jacob said.

The two boys were allegedly caught stealing from a house in the village two days back, following which they were beaten up and later handed over to the police. The detained boys were released this morning after the village head approached the police, she said.

However, as the false information of the death of the boys spread, an irate mob today attacked and pelted stones on the members of a community and set ablaze their houses and shops in which six persons including a woman were seriously injured.

Battery shop owner Ejaz succumbed to burn injuries after his shop was gutted this evening, Jacob said.

Another woman, whose house was set ablaze, has received 70 per cent burns. She has been admitted to Ursula Hospital and her condition is stated to be serious, the DM said.

Police have arrested 13 persons in this connection and further investigations into the matter is on, SP (Rural) Anil Mishra said.

He said as many as six policemen were also injured during stone-pelting by the mob and they have been admitted to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Jacob has announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia payment for the family of the deceased and has written to Uttar Pradesh Government to provide another Rs 5 lakh to them.

The DM also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 to seriously injured persons, and those who have sustained minor injuries will be given Rs 25,000. Those persons whose houses and shops were gutted will also be provided adequate compensation, Jacob said.

A posse of police personnel has been deployed in the area and DM, SSP and other senior officials are monitoring the situation, ADM (City) Avinash Singh said. Singh appealed to the people not to believe any rumours and said the situation is under control.