MP: Communal clashes erupt in Neemuch, curfew imposed

communal violence
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Communal clashes broke out in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh on Monday night, when a Hindutva group allegedly tried to dececrate a dargah (a Muslim shrine), and install a Hanuman idol there.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Suraj Kumar Verma confirmed this and said, “Some people had placed an idol of Lord Hanuman near a dargah which led to a clash between two groups in the old Kachari area. During the clash, some persons pelted stones damaging 3-4 motorcycles, but no persons were injured. Adequate police force deployed.”

Section 144 has also been put in place in Neemuch following the communal unrest.

Section 144 clamped in MP’s Neemuch following a dispute between two groups#Neemuch pic.twitter.com/DeGE5JVPVa
— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) May 17, 2022

According to news reports, the idol installation resulted in violent clashes. Stone-pelting and arson by the enraged mob, led to the mosque being set ablaze, reported the Quint. The police also used tear gas to disperse the mob.

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Curfew imposed in MP’s Neemuch city after mob set a religious place on fire in Court Mohalla hours after installing an idol on Dargah’s wall. Dargah & Mosque are 700-meter apart.
A few rioters were detained, tension prevailed, confirmed officials. @newsclickin
1/N pic.twitter.com/pnoS0nX3s0
— काश/if Kakvi (@KashifKakvi) May 16, 2022

One person identified in various media reports as Younus Khan was reportedly injured in the stone-pelting. Meanwhile, Neemuch police have registered four FIRs, and one suo moto FIR.

However, the police had initially claimed there were no injuries reported. “We have not received information about anyone getting injured yet. We have posted police in proper numbers and people have been advised to stay indoors. Action will be taken against those found violating these guidelines,” said the SP.

Later, SP Verma was quoted by The Quint saying, “Four FIRs have been registered, one on the complaint of Muslim community, two from Hindu community and a suo moto FIR in the case. We have got information about the injury sustained by one boy named Younus in last night’s clash. He has been taken to the Udaipur hospital.” He further said, “We have rounded up nine people for inquiry so far. The investigation is underway and more might be taken into custody. Prima facie it looks like a planned event, due to the installation of the idol, however, it is yet to be ascertained if it’s a conspiracy or not.”

The police reportedly “received a distress call at 10 pm of Monday night.” The Hanuman idol was allegedly installed at or near a dargah in the Purani Kachari (Court Mohalla) area, under the Neemuch city police station.