“Usually we allow them to play. Today after the 2 pm namaz, some 12-13 year old kids were playing cricket in the ground near railway. We have filed an FIR and legal process is on. We have submitted names and faces to the administration. Tomorrow is Jumma (Friday). If they are not arrested by Jumma, then we will take an action which has never been taken anywhere. Because we are trying to maintain peace in Unnao. The administration and public has not let it happen. Since four people have done bad, it is up to the administration to not let there be communal unrest. Tomorrow is Jumma, anything can happen,” the Jama Masjid Imam threatened of communal discord over an altercation over a game of cricket.

As per media reports, the kids of the madarsa got into a fight with other children during a game of cricket. The fight escalated and four children got injured. The injured children reached the madarsa and narrated the incident. Following that, a mob gathered at the Jama Masjid. On receving information, the police also reached the spot.

The incident

Children studying at the Darul Uloom madarsa were playing cricket at GIC cricket ground. Some men reached the ground and got into a fight with the madarsa kids. The madarsa kids have alleged that their clothes were also torn up. The children informed about the incident upon returning to the madarsa. Soon, a mob gathered at the Jama Masjid.

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Upon receving information, City Magistrate Rakesh Gupta, Circle Officer Umesh Chand Tyagi and Police officer Dinesh Chandra Mishra along with his force reached the spot.

The madarsa children have alleged that they were forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’. However, the Police are yet to verify the claims. News18 has also reported that one of the boy who allegedly got into a fight with madarsa children was arrested, though the Imam has demanded arrest of all accused and identified by him.

Jama Masjid Imam’s threat

Amidst all this, the Jama Masjid Imam has issued a threat of ‘unprecedented action’ if the men who allegedly beat up the madarsa children are not arrested by Friday namaz. “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai,” he threatened.

Recently in various cities, there have been incidents of violence after Friday prayers by Muslim mobs protesting against “mob lynchings” and alleged incidents of Muslims being forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram”, though many of such claims have been found to be either false or unverified.