The second test match between India and Bangladesh is set to begin on 27 August at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium, marking the return of Test cricket to the venue after nearly three years. With excitement building in the city, Kanpur Police has significantly increased security measures to ensure a smooth event. However, protests against the Bangladeshi team have added tension to the situation, leading to strict police action.
Protesters perform Havan on the road, FIR registered against 20 people
Ahead of the much-anticipated match, an unusual event took place outside the Green Park Stadium. Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha, a Hindu organization, staged a protest against the presence of the Bangladeshi team by performing a Havan (ritual) on the road near the stadium. The group opposed the team’s participation due to the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, where incidents of violence against Hindus have been reported following last month’s coup.
In response to the protest, Kanpur Police registered an FIR against 20 individuals involved, some of whom have been identified, while 10 remain unnamed. The protest caused a temporary disruption in the area, and authorities acted swiftly to control the situation and avoid further incidents.
Tight security arrangements for players and event
Kanpur Police have implemented extra security measures for both the teams and the venue. According to Kanpur Police DCP (East) Shravan Kumar Singh, the stadium and Hotel Landmark, where both teams are staying, have been divided into sectors, zones, and sub-zones to ensure safety.
Senior officers, including DCP, Additional DCP, and ACP, have been assigned key roles to maintain order throughout the event. Police have also requested additional personnel to bolster security during the match, ensuring that no untoward incidents take place.
Protests linked to recent unrest in Bangladesh
The increased security is partly due to concerns surrounding the Bangladeshi team’s visit, which has sparked opposition from several Hindu organizations. These groups have expressed anger over the violence and atrocities committed against Hindus in Bangladesh following the coup. In light of these developments, threats to disrupt the test matches had been made, prompting a cautious approach from the authorities.
The FIR against protesters, along with heightened security, reflects the seriousness with which Kanpur Police is treating the situation to ensure that the match is held without any disruption or controversy.
