Bareilly:
At least 55 people have been arrested as curfew continued in trouble-hit areas of the city where two communities clashed with each other and indulged in arson following dispute over their respective religious processions, a senior police officer said here on Wednesday.
"Since last evening around 55 people have been arrested from different parts of the city and we are imposing curfew in troubled areas strictly," Deputy Inspector General of Police M K Bashal told PTI over phone.
He said that of 55 some people have been arrested for violating curfew and prohibitory orders.
"Situation is under control and heavy force including PAC and RAF has been deployed in areas where curfew was clamped last evening," the DIG said.
Around half-a-dozen buildings, including a police outpost, shops and houses were set ablaze when members of two communities clashed last evening during 'Barawafat' procession taken out to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad.
Police said while Muslims were taking out the the Barawafat procession, Hindus were taking out a separate Holi procession in the city.
Trouble broke out when some elements pelted stones on 'barawafat' procession leading to a clash between two groups, who engaged in heavy brick batting and exchanged fire in which some people were injured, they said.
Police later used force and fired rubber bullets and tear gas shells to control the mob.
As a preventive measure, curfew was clamped in troubled areas including Prem Nagar, Qila, Baradari and Kotwali.