Protesters clash with police in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri over alleged cow slaughter

Mainpuri: Two people were arrested on Friday night after protesters clashed with the police in Karhal area in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri following rumour of cow slaughter.

People in Nagaria village set police jeeps on fire and damaged several other vehicles as they were agitated over allegation of killing of a cow in the village, police said.

A vehicle burns after villagers vandalised properties and resorted to arson in Mainpuri district (Photo: PTI)

It was alleged that a cow, which was grazing in a field near the village, was whisked away for slaughter and its skin was being removed in a house when some villagers barged in, the police said.

Sub-Divisinal Magistrate of Karhal, Vijay Pratap said it would be known only after post mortem if a cow was slaughtered as was being alleged by some persons, or the skin of a dead cow was being removed.

District Magistrate Chandrapal Singh said that two persons have been arrested and more arrests would follow.

Villagers vandalise properties and resort to arson in Mainpuri district (Photo: PTI)

The situation was under control and DIG, DM and SP were camping at Karhal with heavy police force.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav said attempts were being made to vitiate atmosphere in Karhal.

Police in action after villagers vandalised properties and resorted to arson in Mainpuri district (Photo: PTI)

"Today, attempts are being made in Karhal (Mainpuri) to vitiate communal atmosphere. We are ensuring arrest of those involved in the incident," he said.

Yadav also said that SP was fighting communal forces for a long time and would continue doing so.