Lucknow, Dec 19 (TIWN) The Uttar Pradesh capital witnessed unprecedented violence on Thursday afternoon as protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) gained ground and the situation slowly spun out of control.

Protests against CAA began in old city areas in the afternoon and by evening, trouble spread to the city centre Hazratganj.  Police outposts in Madehganj and Thakurganj were set on fire, media persons were attacked and five OB Vans of channels were also set ablaze.  Vehicles of media persons and hawkers were also set on fire. A petrol pump near the UP Press Club was also vandalised. Two reporters were seriously injured in police baton charge.  Several policemen were also injured in the stone pelting, including Circle Officer, Hazratganj, Abhay Misra.