VHP and Bajrang Dal activists booked for celebratory fire during Dussehra celebrations

Agra (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Oct 1 (ANI): A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against 60 to 70 members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal for engaging in celebratory fire as part of Dussehra celebration in Agra on Saturday.

29 people have been named in the FIR while 30 to 40 unknown persons have been booked under 12 sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

ANI had reported the incident yesterday, to which UP Police and Agra Range IG took cognizance.

@agrapolice - कृपया वर्तमान स्थिति से अवगत कराएं. @igrangeagra

— UP POLICE (@Uppolice) September 30, 2017

@agrapolice - कृपया वर्तमान स्थिति से अवगत कराएं.

— IG Range Agra (@igrangeagra) October 1, 2017

The incident took place in the premises of Hanuman temple adjoining the Ramlila ground, close to Agra Fort.

The FIR states that the offenders brandished armaments in Red Fort Gate parking and Ramlila ground gate, and opened fire in the premises of Hanuman temple despite having knowledge of the imposition of Section 144 on account of Dussehra.

The FIR also accuses the Bajrang Dal and VHP activists of propagating hate against other communities by issuing open threats against them.

According to the FIR, the offenders' attempt to disrupt the atmosphere caused frenzy among the tourists heading towards Red Fort and Taj Mahal. (ANI)