4 injured in clash during Holi preparations in Uttar Pradesh

MEERUT: At least four people were injured after a clash ensued between members of two communities during Holi preparations at Hari Nagar locality under the limits of Brahmpuri police station on Sunday night.
Heavy police force was deployed in the region and paramilitary forces patrolled the area on Monday. Kamlesh Prajapati, a resident of the area, said, "We were raising funds for the Holika Dahan ceremony when some youths of another community made derogatory remarks, leading to a verbal spat."
On the other hand, Sabeena Mewati, another resident, claimed that the argument took place over a monetary dispute. "My relative Furkaan had lent Rs 2,000 to one Kapil and urged him to return the money. However, Kapil, who was under the influence of alcohol, refused and got into a brawl." According to police, several members of both communities resorted to stone pelting damaging vehicles and windows of houses. SP (city) Piyush Kumar said, "An FIR has been filed against nine people. Besides, several unknown people were also booked under IPC sections 307 (attempt to murder), 147 & 148 (rioting), 332 (negligent act to endanger human life) and 504 (making provocative statements)."