Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 18 (IANS): Pamphlets, urging people of a particular community against taking anti-coronavirus vaccine shots and spreading rumours about their ingredients, surfaced in the Bareilly district after which the police lodged an FIR against unknown persons.

The pamphlets, found in the Rajendra Nagar locality on Sunday, appealed to a particular community to avoid taking the vaccines.

Superintendent of Police (City) Ravindra Singh said the pamphlets were immediately seized and an FIR was lodged in the Prem Nagar police station against unknown persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for mischief mongering and trying to whip up communal passions.

The SP said the police vigil has been stepped up across the city, particularly in sensitive areas, to maintain peace and arrest the culprits.

Districts that are communally sensitive, have also been asked to remain on alert on the vaccine issue and pre-empt any move to create tension.

It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had cautioned on Saturday that "Some selfish people with vested interests were spreading rumours about the corona vaccine."

He had said, "There is a need to avoid any kind of rumour and people should wait for their turn."