KANPUR: Tension prevailed in Gwaltoli area on Sunday, following a Saturday night clash between two sects of Muslims that left several injured. The trouble started following assault on Imam of a mosque in Maqbara locality. Later, his supporters gheraoed Gwaltoli police station, demanding arrest of accused Naushad alias Kale and his supporters.

The trouble started following assault on Maulana Taiyyab, imam of a mosque in Maqbara area of Gwaltoli. As soon as the attackers left, Imam's supporters converged at the mosque and later marched towards the police station. A police team was sent to arrest Naushad.

Eyewitnesses said that when the cops arrived at Naushad's house, his supporters indulged in heavy stone pelting leaving several people and policemen injured.

Sources said that miscreants also opened fire from the roof-top. "Panic prevailed in the locality after stone pelting and firing incident, following which more police force was requisitioned in the area to bring the situation under control," said an eyewitness.

While claiming the situation to be under control, SSP KS Emanuel said, "We have arrested Naushad and registered a case against him for assaulting the Imam of the mosque. We have also booked nearly 10-12 persons for disrupting peace of the area."

District Magistrate Roshan Jacob said that police deployments had been stepped up all over the area in view of the approaching Eid festival.

"Sleuths have been detailed to keep a round-the-clock vigil in the locality to prevent any renewed attempts of violence," he said.

