Varanasi Violence: Police Thrashed, Arson, and Now Curfew

Hindu protesters in Varanasi took to the streets against lathi-charge on godmen on 22 September.

Violence Breaks out in Varanasi: Cop Cars Burnt, Curfew Declared

Violence broke out in Varanasi during a march by seers and locals aganist the police baton-charge between September 21 to 23, on a procession over Lord Ganesha’s idol immersion. Tap here to read more: http://bit.ly/1MUkuCa

Posted by The Quint on Monday, October 5, 2015

After 15 days of rising tension, a mob ran amok on the streets of Varanasi earlier on Monday. Police personnel were beaten up and police vehicles set on fire.

A curfew has been imposed in four areas in the city – Kotwali, Dashashwamedh, Chowk, and Luxa after the protests turned violent.

The violence comes 2 weeks after a police lathi-charge on a group of sadhus that took place on 22 September. The sadhus had been on a dharna for 2 days demanding permission to immerse Ganesh idols in the Ganga.

What started as a ‘Pratikar Rally’ in support of the sadhus who had been lathi-charged, soon turned violent, as the protestors clashed with the police.

In the Godowlia area of Varanasi the mob burnt three police cars and a police post. Some shops were also set ablaze.

The godmen, on strike for over a month, were forcefully removed from the spot. Several of them were injured as a result.