Stone pelting during Muharram procession in Bareilly, Varanasi

Some people from the two communities hurled stones at each other during Muharram processions in Bareilly and Varanasi districts on Tuesday (August 9).

Members of two communities hurled stones at each other on Tuesday in a fracas during Muharram processions in Bareilly and Varanasi districts, leading to injuries to several people, police said.

In Bareilly, some people from the Hindu community in Majhoua village under Bhojipura police station area complained about the use of a DJ in the tazia procession, saying a “new tradition” was being set, police said.

They allegedly hurled stones and those participating in the procession retaliated. Some people were hurt in the stone pelting, they said.

The officials rushed to the spot and somehow pacified the locals assuring them of strict action against those who created ruckus, and the procession was taken out, police said.

No new tradition will be allowed, Bareilly Superintendent of Police (Crime) SP Singh said, adding police and PAC have been deployed in the village.

If anyone tries to start a new tradition, strict action will be taken against him. Hunt is on to nab the stone pelters, the SP said adding police have brought the situation under control.

In Varanasi, factions belonging to different communities indulged in stone pelting and clashed with sticks following a dispute at the time of taking out a tazia procession from Jansa police station area to Kardhana village of Mirzamurad police station area.