Uttar Pradesh: Two Communities Clash In Meerut Over Holi Collection, Pelt Stones At Each Other

At least six were injured in clashes between two communities in Brahmpuri area of Uttar Pradesh's Meerut on Sunday evening, said Uttar Pradesh Police.

The two communities clashed and pelted stones at each other, said Senior Superintendent of Police Rohit Singh Sajwan to PTI.

The issue is rooted in the collection of funds for Holi, reported PTI. Two persons were collecting funds when youths of another community allegedly made some derogatory remarks, following which they got into a scuffle with each other. The incident happened in Harinagar locality of Meerut's Brahmpuri.

A heavy police deployment has been made as tension prevailed in the area under Brahmapuri police station limit, a police officer said.

The situation was under control now, said SSP Sajwan.

According to the police, at least six people were injured in the stone pelting.

Sajwan said they are scanning CCTV footage to identify the culprits and added no arrest has been made so far in connection with the case.

In a statement shared on Twitter, Meerut Police denied that the conflict was over Holi. The statement said that an argument and scuffle took place under the influence of alcohol.

In Hindi, the statement read: "On 5.03.2023, under the influence of alcohol in a neighbourhood in Police Station Brahmpuri limits, two sides had an argument and scuffle. The issue was not over Holika and Holika has not been vandalised. It's perfectly fine. No one has been seriously injured. Police is carrying out necessary actions. Three people have been taken into custody. Peace has been restored in the area."

In a purported video the incident shared by a reporter, a group of persons are seen vandalising a street. In other visuals shared by media, heavy police deployment is seen in the area. 

(With PTI inputs)