Thirteen persons, including former Khanpur MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion's uncle, were arrested today in connection with the forcible evacuation of a scrapdealer's shop which led to communal clash in Landhaura area of Roorkee.
Champion's uncle Rajkumar Krishna Singh and 12 others have been arrested in connection with the clashes that took place yesterday, leaving 32 injured, Manglaur Circle Officer Pratap Singh said.
Singh has been charged with throwing a religious book and other objects kept in the scrapdealer's shop as he wanted the scrapdealer to vacate the space that belonged to him, he said.
The clashes had erupted after members of the minority community accused Singh of desecrating their religious book.
The minority community members protested outside the residence of the Champion, hurling stones at it and torching four vehicles including two cars parked outside, the police official said.
ITBP, RAF, local police and Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel staged a flagmarch in the area where prohibitory orders are in force to maintain law and order and instill confidence in people, the CO said .
IG (range) Sanjay Gunjyal and DIG Pushpak Jyoti are camping in the area in view of the tension.
Several BJP MLAs and Congress leaders, who tried to visit the area, were not allowed as it could add to the prevailing tension, the officer said.
BJP MLAs Madan Kaushik, Sanjay Gupta, Yatishwaranand, former MLA Pradeep Batra and Congress leader Dhirendra Pratap were among those who were prevented from entering the area.
Terming the violent protest outside his house as an attack on his life, Champion alleged it was orchestrated by Chief Minister Harish Rawat.
Champion was among the nine Congress MLAs who revolted against Chief Minister Harish Rawat and later joined the BJP.
"The chief minister orchestrated the attack on me as he cannot swallow the fact that I am with BJP now. My only fault is that after years of suffocation in Congress, I am breathing free in BJP," Champion told reporters.
Twelve police personnel were among 32 injured in yesterday's clashes. Police had to resort to a lathicharge and fire several rounds in the air to disperse the clashing groups.
