A youth was shot dead and over two dozen others seriously injured when members of two communities clashed during the Barawafat procession being taken out in Fareedpur area of Bareilly district on Tuesday.

The rioting mobs set ablaze about half-a-dozen kiosks and made an attempt to rob some shops. They also set afire four vehicles too before the police chased them away.

The incident took place after a part of the procession broke away from the planned route and moved into a sensitive locality.

Bareilly Range IG Javed Akhtar said: “The clashes broke out twice. Initially, they clashed in the morning and, later on, they exchanged fire and brick-bats in the afternoon. A youth died from a stray bullet during the firing.”

“The DM and the DIG are camping along with a heavy contingent of the PAC and para-military forces to maintain peace,” the IG said.

Thousands of members of a community were moving with Barawafat procession when some stones were thrown at them in Fareedpur area around 9 am.

The marchers then retaliated with throwing bricks on members of another community, gathered around to watch the procession.

Despite the police force, both groups clashed and burnt kiosks and damaged vehicles. The police fired in the air and used canes to disperse the rioters, the IG said.

The police later allow the resumption of the procession in the afternoon after having discussions with senior members of both communities.

Once again, stones were thrown at the procession in a locality after which the clashes turned violent and both groups exchanged fire. A stray bullet hit a youth, Vinod (30), killing him on the spot.

It took the police over two hours to control the situation by firing in the air and lathi-charging. They also fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets.