7 hours ago
Row over sound system disrupts Rath Yatra
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Kanpur: Following a dispute between police and organisers regarding the use of sound system, the historic and religious Rath Yatra could not commence on Friday. The Panki Mahant announced that he would self-immolate if the sub-inspector of Naya Ganj police outpost was not suspended.
On his appeal, the traders of Nayaganj and nearby markets closed their shops. Followers and political party volunteers sat on dharna at Nayaganj crossing in support of Mahant.
According to Mahant Jitendra Das and Krishna Das of Jagannath temple, before the Rath Yatra could begin, police officials arrived and instructed that only two speakers should be used in the band. Organisers opposed this and during the conversation, police misbehaved with them.
Kanpur Police commissionerate on Thursday had implemented the provisions of section 163 BNS . The provision states that the directions of Allahabad and Lucknow high court regarding the use of loud speaker should be followed in letter and spirit. Using more than 2 loud speakers with in the limits of police commissioneate will have to obtain prior permission . Meanwhile, supporters and volunteers gathered and raised anti-police slogans.
When senior police officials tried to pacify them, the demand for the inspector's suspension was reiterated. In the meantime, SP MLA Amitabh Bajpai also arrived with his supporters and joined the agitators. The agitating crowd recited 'Hanuman Chalisa' and Panki Mahant appealed to traders to close the market.
General secretary of the temple committee, Vivek Gupta alleged that Badshahi Naqa inspector had thrashed the sound system operator with a lathi and abused both him and Panki Mahant.
Senior police officials also arrived at the spot and tried to convince Panki Mahant and others, but Mahant and his followers were adamant and clearly stated that if Badshahi Naqa sub-inspector was not suspended, Mahant would self-immolate at Naya Ganj crossing.
Later, the station in-charge of Badshahi Naka was suspended.
Deputy Commissioner of Police East, Satyajit Gupta, announced the resumption of the Shobha Yatra. "We immediately suspended the in-charge of Badshahi Naka police station. He was accused of misbehaving and using abusive language with the organisers of the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra."
