Saharanpur violence main accused Chandrashekhar arrested

The main accused in the Saharanpur caste clashes, which left two dead and scores others injured, and founder of the dalit outfit 'Bheem Army' Chandrashekhar was arrested on Thursday from Himachal Pradesh by the Special Task Force (STF) of UP police.

According to the police sources here, Chandrashkehar was arrested from a hotel in the hill resort of Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh.

Sources said that Chandrashekhar, who carried a reward of Rs.12,000 on his head, had been absconding after being booked in the violence that had shaken Saharanpur last month. ''He will be brought to Saharanpur on transit remand,'' said a senior police official here.

Chandrashekhar is likely to be produced before a Saharanpur court on Friday, sources said.

Two persons were killed and over two dozen others injured when members of thakur and dalit communities clashed following a dispute over taking out a procession at Shabbirpur village in the district last month.

It was alleged that the 'Bheem Army' members had instigated the dalits to resort to violence. Chandrashekhar was booked for inciting violence and attacking police after which he absconded.

The authorities imposed a ban on the internet services for two days in the district after reports that 'Bheem Army' members might hold demonstration to protest Chandrashekhar's arrest. Security in and around the district court has also been strengthened.

The clashes had triggered concerns within the Yogi government, which also faced flak from the opposition for failing to check the violence.