Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists staged a protest against the ongoing Test match between India and Bangladesh at Greenpark Stadium in Kanpur.
During the demonstration, protesters marched and set fire to the Bangladeshi flag, expressing strong opposition to the match. The protest escalated as VHP workers clashed with the police, resulting in tensions, according to Hindustan News Hub.
When the police attempted to control the situation with force, the protesters responded with chants of "Jai Shri Ram" and staged a sit-in, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa in defiance.
The agitation began early in the morning, coinciding with the start of the match. As the demonstrators moved from Moolganj Square towards the Sadbhavna Chowki near the parade ground, they were confronted by police forces, leading to a violent altercation. Following a lathicharge, the VHP members continued their sit-in, shouting religious slogans.
DCP Ankita Sharma arrived at the scene to address the situation, holding discussions with the protesters. Eventually, the VHP workers submitted a memorandum addressed to the President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister, before dispersing while raising slogans. The VHP claimed that Hindus in Bangladesh face persecution, and playing a match with such a nation overlooks these serious issues.
The protest coincided with the second and final Test of the India-Bangladesh series, with the first match having been won by India by a margin of 280 runs. Despite initial delays due to wet conditions, the match proceeded on Friday at Greenpark Stadium.
