Violence in Varanasi during religious protest, police attacked

Curfew was imposed in four police station areas.While the procession was underway in a peaceful manner, there was a sudden stone pelting from somewhere and the <g data-gr-id="22">rallyists</g> turned violent and started targeting the police personnel escorting them. 

Police resorted to a mild cane charge and fired rubber bullets to disperse the unruly mob. It also lobbed tear gas shells on the crowd after it targeted police vehicles and set on fire a police outpost.

Home department officials said that prohibitory orders have been issued in most parts of the city and it was a state of undeclared curfew in Girjaghar, Chowk, Gaudolia, Dashashmeghghat Marg, Madanpur and <g data-gr-id="24">Baans</g> <g data-gr-id="25">Fatak</g> areas. Police have put up barricades on these routes and are preventing people from taking to these roads. 

Unconfirmed reports suggest that there have been stray incidents of firing also. Police <g data-gr-id="26">has</g> appealed to the people to remain calm and ensure that no harm comes to property or lives.

The procession had begun from the Town Hall grounds with <g data-gr-id="18">slogannering</g> and chants of Baba Vishwanath. The procession, attended by thousands was led by a '<g data-gr-id="19">palki</g>' of Lord Kashi Vishwanath, followed by women and saints. Many Hindu groups had called for the protest march against a lathi charge and banning of immersion of idols in the Ganges, as has been the tradition during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and <g data-gr-id="20">Navtatri</g>.