Kanpur, June 28 -- An annual procession, which is believed to be 225 years old, taken out during the Jagannath Rath Yatra could not commence on schedule on Friday after tensions flared up over a dispute regarding loudspeaker limits and allegations of police misbehaviour with temple mahants. The procession, which traditionally sets out from Peepal Wali Kothi in Nayaganj, came to a halt as organisers and devotees staged a sit-in protest demanding action against a police officer accused of insulting religious leaders. Protestors, including Mahant Krishna Das and Mahant Jitendra Das of Panki Dham temple, led a dharna at Nayaganj crossroads, reciting the Hanuman chalisa in defiance. Dozens of traders closed their shops in solidarity with the mahants. Meanwhile, another group blocked the Peepal Wali Kothi crossing, shouting slogans and warning that the yatra would not proceed unless their demands were met. The standoff between the protestors and the police remained unresolved till late Friday night. Demonstrators insisted on the immediate suspension of the station house officer (SHO) of Badshahinaka police station, Rajeev Kumar Singh, accusing him of verbally abusing the mahants and using offensive language. Police officers, including senior officials, tried to negotiate with the crowd to defuse the situation but had limited success as tempers remained high. Commissioner of police Akhil Kumar said the police had asked the organisers to use loudspeakers strictly in accordance with permitted norms, which they objected to. "Negotiations are ongoing with the organisers. As for the allegation of misbehaviour, we have assured them of a fair inquiry and have promised that appropriate and firm action will be taken," he said. The confrontation stemmed from a dispute over the number of loudspeakers permitted on a vehicle accompanying the chariot. Police authorities had granted permission for only two speakers, citing rules and sound limits, but organisers had reportedly installed several more. When officers intervened, heated arguments ensued, culminating in allegations that police personnel insulted the two mahants of Panki Dham temple. SP MLA Amitabh Bajpai also arrived at the scene. Mahant Krishna Das said the chariot would not roll until the officer concerned was suspended, accusing the administration of disrespecting religious traditions....