Shia groups clash in Lucknow

Lucknow, May 18 (IANS) Two groups of the Shia community fought pitched battles outside Lucknow's famous Bada Imambara, exchanged blows and set on fire a vehicle Friday.

The violence broke out after the weekly Friday prayers when a group of supporters of Waseem Rizvi, the president of the Shia Waqf Board, made some snide comments against Shia cleric and member of the All-India Mulsim Personal law Board Kalbe Jawwad.

This ignited sentiments and Jawwad's supporters starting pelting stones and attacked Rizvi's vehicle.

Police reinforcements were sent to curb violence and to control the irate mobs, which had blocked the roads in the old city, causing long traffic snarl ups.

Several ambulances and patients on their way to the adjoining medical college and trauma centre had to undergo tough times as police tried to disperse the angry crowds and clear the traffic.

Police arrested one man in connection with the violence and said they were looking for other mischief makers.

Heavy deployment of police and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) has been made in the area. Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Badri Prasad Singh told IANS that the police were being watchful to ensure no further violence took place.