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In the aftermath of the violence that unfolded in Kanpur on 3 June, during a bandh called over suspended BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma's remarks against Prophet Muhammad, Hayat Zafar Hashmi has been named the prime accused and has been portrayed as the mastermind behind the violence.
She said:
Meanwhile, at least 50 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence.
Like before, the police have also placed hoardings of people allegedly involved in the violence throughout the city.
Earlier, the police had said that actions under the Gangster Act and NSA will be taken against all those who have been arrested and their property will be seized.
Meanwhile, several reports suggested that bulldozer action may also be taken against "illegal" buildings that were used for stone pelting.
Hashmi – and some of his associates had gone beforehand to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Akmal Khan, Anwarganj, Kanpur, and said:
ACP Akmal Khan said, “When I got to know that these people have organised a bandh, I called them to our office and advised them against the shutdown. I told them they had to first get the administration’s permission.”
However, Hashmi's wife, Uzma said:
Uzma added, "After this, he told the media as well and updated the same on WhatsApp and Facebook too. He added that if you do close your shops, then stay at home and do it peacefully. The program was running peacefully, but suddenly stone-pelting and violence erupted."
Hashmi and four of his associates were arrested by the police from Lucknow. He was apparently absconding after the incident. Later, the crime branch team of Kanpur Commissionerate arrested him.
Meanwhile, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Chairman Priyank Kanoongo said on Wednesday, "We were informed that minors were used in the Kanpur violence which is a serious issue and an offense. We have written to the Kanpur Police authorities to file a complaint against the accused under section 83 of the Juvenile Justice Act."
Kanpur ACP and a member of the SIT, Tripurari Pandey has informed that sanitation workers are also being spoken to as part of the investigation.
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