AGRA: Authorities have stepped up security in the city which has been gripped by tension following the murder of a local VHP leader four days ago.
Additional companies of police and Rapid Action Force teams have been deployed in Mantola and Nai ki Mandi areas, official sources said.
BJP, VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders allegedly made inflammatory speeches yesterday at a condolence meeting for 50-year-old Arun Mahaur, VHP's city vice president who was shot dead while returning from a temple Thursday morning.
A close vigil is being kept on the activities of BJP leaders as well as members of other saffron outfits like Bajrang Dal, the sources said.
After the district authorities refused permission for a condolence meeting in Mantola area at the residence of Mahaur, the BJP shifted the venue to Jaipur House colony, Ramlila ground where Sadhvi Prachi, Union minister of state for HRD Ram Shankar Katheria along with local MLAs of the party were present.
Police said the accused in the murder case has already been arrested.
Leaders of the Hindu outfits have demanded firm action against suspects indulging in cow slaughtering, and raising of compensation for the family of the deceased.
The state government has announced Rs 15 lakh for the family, but BJP leaders were not satified and said that the Dadri lynching victim's kin were given Rs 45 lakh, a house and job.
District authorities have now written to the state government to increase the relief.