Lucknow police step up vigil as protestors pelt stones

Barring a few stone-pelting incidents and a solitary case of police caning, Lucknow was reported to be peaceful.

However, Lucknow Commissioner Desh Deepak Verma and Deputy Inspector General of Police Kashmira Singh could not confirm unofficial reports about two firing incidents in the Husainabad area. They said the district magistrate and the senior superintendent of police have been asked to verify the reports.

The senior police officials said strict action was being taken against those involved in Thursday's violence over the issue of taking out Azadaari procession on the occasion of Chehullam. Provisions of the National Security Act could be invoked against the accused.

Verma and Singh said three first information reports (FIR) had been registered with the Chowk, Thakurganj and Wazirganj police stations in connection with Thursday's incidents. Those named in the FIRs included Shia muslim religious leader Maulana Kalbe Jawaad.

The commissioner and the DIG said no relaxation in curfew was allowed. A total of 460 persons had been arrested since Thursday in connection with various incidents, they added.

UNI

EARLIER STORY:Hundreds held as Shias take out Azadaari procession