Allahabad: Admitting that had the state machinery been more vigilant, the incidents of August 17 in which rampaging mob indulged into violent protests after Friday prayers would have been averted, a senior police official on Sunday said a high-level probe has been ordered.
Violent protests erupted on August 17 in Lucknow, Kanpur and Allahabad where Muslim mobs, protesting the attacks on the community in Assam and Myanmar, went on a rampage, attacking passers-by, and vandalising shops and vehicles.
"It can not be denied that had the administrative machinery been more vigilant, the unfortunate incidents of August 17, which resulted in widespread damage to property and an atmosphere of tension just before the festival of Eid would have been averted," Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Jagmohan Yadav, told reporters here today.
"Inspectors General of the respective police zones of Allahabad, Kanpur and Lucknow have been asked to complete their inquiry and submit a report within 10 days.
"They have been directed to probe into any allegations of laxity or dereliction of duty on part of police officials," Yadav said.
None of those involved in the violence and arson or found guilty of allowing the situation to go out of control would be spared, he said.
"Already, a total of 15 persons have been booked under the stringent National Security Act in Allahabad where curfew had to be clamped for a day in the Kotwali police station area. Besides, 25 persons have been arrested in the state capital Lucknow," the ADG said.
Meanwhile, the ADG said, a month-long, state-wide drive has been launched to crack the whip on criminals named in major offences and carrying a reward on their heads.
All IGPs have been directed to keep a watch on progress in this regard in all the districts falling under their respective zones and hold review meetings every 10 days, he said.
PTI
