However, the arrest failed to pacify public outrage. By Wednesday night (April 30), around 9:30 PM, a group of men gathered near the market area where the accused had an office and began targeting businesses owned by members of the Muslim community. Videos later circulated on social media showed shops being vandalised, staffers slapped, and stones hurled at a nearby mosque. Several shops and eateries were damaged, and incidents of assault were reported. Though police intervened to de-escalate the situation, their response was widely seen as inadequate.

Right-wing outrage targets Muslim businesses in retaliatory fury

Fuelled by the accusation against the elderly Muslim man, Hindu nationalist organisations swiftly mobilised, broadening their focus from the individual to the entire Muslim community in Nainital. These groups, often operating under the banner of protecting Hindu interests, engaged in a campaign of collective punishment. Their actions extended beyond mere condemnation of the alleged crime, manifesting in direct attacks on Muslim-owned businesses and the physical assault of Muslim individuals.

Despite the prompt arrest of the accused and the completion of the minor’s medical examination – steps indicating the legal process was underway – these right-wing outfits continued their aggressive actions. Their demands often included handing over the accused to their custody, bypassing the judicial system entirely, and further inflamed the communal tensions by propagating a narrative of collective guilt and demanding discriminatory actions against the Muslim population of Nainital

Public reaction escalates into mob violence

The violence on Wednesday night appeared to be part of a broader, emotionally charged backlash. Despite assurances from law enforcement that the accused had been arrested and was facing severe charges, a large crowd moved through the central town area, launching coordinated attacks. Most of the affected establishments belonged to Muslims, heightening communal tensions. Shopkeepers and local residents described the scene as chaotic, with shutters broken, staff beaten, and customers fleeing. Among the worst affected was Monish Jalal, a restaurant owner in Gadi Padaw, who condemned the assault on his livelihood, saying, “We want justice for the girl, but what connection do we have with the accused?” reported the Times of India.

Others, like Bimla Devi, a senior resident running a family tea stall since the British era, described the damage to her stall as “complete destruction.” Both expressed dismay at the lack of timely police action and called for justice — both for the victim and for innocent business owners caught in the crossfire, as reported

Against the tide: Hindu woman stands up for Muslim community

In a striking display of moral courage amidst the rising communal frenzy, a Hindu woman emerged as an unexpected beacon of reason. As a rally of Hindu nationalist supporters marched through Nainital, their chants laced with anti-Muslim slogans in response to the alleged sexual assault, she bravely stepped forward to confront them. Her act was a powerful testament to shared humanity, as she challenged the very premise of their collective blame and the injustice of targeting the entire Muslim community for the alleged actions of one individual. Undeterred by the charged atmosphere and the potential for backlash, she directly rebuked the mob for their indiscriminate attacks on innocent Muslim shopkeepers, emphasising their lack of connection to the alleged crime.

Furthermore, she vocally condemned the abusive and derogatory language employed during the rally.

BJP leader threatened Muslim food vendors

In a video that quickly circulated on social media, BJP leader Vipin Pandey openly threatened to Muslim food vendors, insisting that their shop names must explicitly reflect their Muslim identity. Pandey warned that if the vendors failed to comply within a day, they would face physical assault. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with many calling them inflammatory and divisive.

Civil society groups and political opponents have condemned the threat as a blatant attempt to stoke communal tensions and marginalise minority communities.

Meanwhile, local authorities have yet to take official action, prompting concerns over law enforcement’s response to hate speech and intimidation.

Political and community demands mount

The unrest prompted swift political and administrative responses. A group of residents submitted a memorandum to Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, making wide-ranging demands. These included a comprehensive verification of all “outsiders,” especially those belonging to the minority community working as tenants, daily wage earners, or small business owners. They also demanded the seizure of the accused’s property as a deterrent, an inquiry into property acquisitions by individuals from the minority community in commercial areas, and the establishment of a monitoring committee to oversee regional activity.

The memorandum also called for prioritising employment opportunities for local youth, and for Nainital to be declared a “sensitive cultural zone,” complete with special policy safeguards to preserve the town’s heritage and demography.

Administrative response: crackdown on encroachments and security measures

District Magistrate Vandana took immediate administrative action by appointing magistrates to sensitive locations, including the market and mosque premises. She instructed the Nainital District Development Authority to resume its anti-encroachment drive and ordered the completion of pending hearings on illegal constructions within 15 days. On Thursday, authorities carried out marking operations at multiple locations in the city, issuing 150 challans — 100 by the Municipal Council and 50 by the Development Authority — for unauthorised structures, encroachments on public infrastructure, and unapproved construction, according to the Indian Express.

Additionally, a notice was served to the accused, stating that his property was illegal and granting him three days to present his case before further legal action. Police presence was bolstered in sensitive zones, especially around religious sites, ahead of Friday prayers. The district also increased surveillance and verification of taxis, rental services, and roadside vendors to ensure tourist safety amid the turmoil.

Strikes, closures, and tourist disruption

According to reports, the violence and growing unrest had immediate consequences for daily life in Nainital. Schools remained shut on Thursday, and traders in the town centre observed a strike, partly enforced by local right-wing organisations. Amandeep Singh, general secretary of the Nainital Vyapar Mandal, said the strike symbolised collective anger at the crime, while also noting that food arrangements were made for stranded tourists. Police checkpoints were established along major roads, and tourists reported a curfew-like atmosphere, with most shops and restaurants closed.

“The tourism business has been severely affected,” said Nainital Hotel Association President Digvijay Singh Bisht, as Indian Express reported.

Local lawyers boycott case, demand inquiry into Nainital’s changing demographics

The case also resonated within the legal community. In a strong display of protest, district court lawyers unanimously decided to withdraw legal representation from the accused. Advocate Daya Joshi stated that the local bar had also requested an investigation into the recent influx of residents in Nainital. “No lawyer from our bar council will represent this man.”

Similarly, as the Indian Express reported that Protesters have demanded strict punishment for the accused, including the confiscation of their property. They also called for thorough verification drives targeting outsiders—particularly tenants and temporary workers from a specific community—and the identification and deportation of any foreign nationals residing illegally.

Muslim organisations submitted a memorandum to DGP

Simultaneously, Muslim organisations reacted strongly to the targeted violence. In a memorandum to DGP Deepam Seth in Dehradun, they condemned both the heinous crime against the minor and the subsequent attacks on innocent community members. “We too want justice for the girl,” said Naeem Qureshi, president of the Muslim Seva Sangathan. “But the collective punishment of unrelated individuals through violence and arson is unacceptable” as reported in the Times of India.

Uttarakhand High Court takes suo moto action

Taking cognizance of the volatile situation, the Uttarakhand High Court initiated suo moto proceedings. During the hearing, government counsel J.S. Virk informed the bench that heightened security measures were in place, including vehicle checks at key entry points into Nainital — Haldwani, Bhavali, and Kaladhungi. The court, comprising Justices Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Vivek Bharti Sharma, directed authorities to maintain strict law and order, prohibit large gatherings, and monitor social media to prevent misinformation and incitement.

As reported, the bench emphasised the importance of sustained patrolling to ensure that similar unrest does not spread or recur in other sensitive regions like Haldwani. It also called on citizens to cooperate with the administration to restore peace and communal harmony.

Related:

Uttarakhand High Court orders security, condemns hate speech over Uttarkashi Mosque

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The post Nainital on communal edge after 75-year-old Muslim man booked for alleged rape of minor girl appeared first on SabrangIndia.

However, the local police swiftly refuted these claims, stating that there was no evidence to support the allegation of a targeted communal attack.

Police investigation and police presence

The incident that sparked these tensions began when a video surfaced on social media, showing minor boys from the Muslim community engaged in stone-pelting near the Kotwa area. The video, which was later identified as CCTV footage from one of the local houses, was shared widely, leading to a social media uproar. Hindu Families in Kotwa, in particular, claimed that the boys were indulging in “brick-batting” with the intent to create unrest and provoke violence against Hindu properties. However, the police dismissed these claims, focusing on the fact that the boys had targeted street bulbs and lights and not residential properties.

Following the release of the video, the Lohta police registered a case and began a probe into the incident. The police focused on determining whether the boys had deliberately targeted anything other than the streetlights. As part of the investigation, police reviewed the CCTV footage from the area and initiated further inquiries. The authorities have emphasised that they are maintaining a vigilant presence in the locality to prevent any escalation of tensions.

Allegation of Hindu families in fear: claims of targeting and forced migration

Amid the ongoing investigation, around 15 Hindu families residing in Kotwa Village have claimed to media persons that they are living in constant fear and after the killing of Bhaiyalal. a Hindu youth from the area, whose body was found in a partially burnt condition earlier last month in February, 2025.

According to this reportage, these claims of insecurity had led to CCTV cameras being installed in some homes. Additionally, a local elder alleged that a specific area near a temple had been deliberately turned into a garbage dumping ground.

Police investigation: the motive behind the stone-pelting incident

As the investigation progressed, the police began to piece together the events leading up to the stone-pelting incident. ACP Rohaniya Sanjiv Kumar Sharma confirmed that the CCTV footage showed the Muslim minors throwing stones at streetlights, with no indication of targeting houses or attempting to incite violence. The footage also revealed that the minors were attempting to steal the bulbs after breaking the streetlights, which pointed to the possibility of a theft rather than a planned communal disturbance. All further necessary legal action will be taken,  Times of India reported

Stone-pelting incident confirmed, theft attempt by minors: Police

Following the release of the CCTV footage, Neetu Katyayan, the ADCP of Varanasi Gomti Zone, clarified the police’s stance on the matter. She confirmed that the boys shown in the footage were indeed minors and that the motive behind their actions was theft—specifically, the intention to steal the streetlight bulbs.

The footage clearly showed the boys taking the bulbs after breaking the streetlights. The police have been investigating the incident in detail and emphasized that there was no evidence to support claims of any communal targeting or violence, reported Punjab Kesari

9 arrested in Kotwa stone pelting incident

The Lohta police arrested nine teenagers in connection with the stone-pelting incident at Abhilash Singh’s house in Kotwa village. The arrested individuals, aged between 12 and 15 years, were captured on CCTV footage during the act. According to Lohta SHO Praveen Kumar, the police swiftly identified and apprehended all the suspects. After their arrest, the teenagers were presented before the court and subsequently sent to the juvenile correction home in Ramnagar, as reported

Murder of Bhaiyalal Patel fuels communal unrest in Kotwa Village

The tension in Kotwa Village can also be traced back to the murder of Bhaiyalal Patel, a Hindu youth, which occurred earlier in February. On February 14, 2025, the Lohata police made significant progress in the investigation of Patel’s murder, arresting four individuals—Ashraf Ali, Abdul Kadir, Sultan, and Shakeel—who were accused of killing Patel and burning his body. According to the police, the accused had consumed alcohol with Patel on the night of February 10, near the Mazar of Barkat Shah Banarasi. When Patel refused to give them money for more alcohol, they allegedly attacked him, pushed him from a wall, and ultimately caused his death. To conceal the crime, the accused then attempted to burn Patel’s body before dumping it in a mustard field, Times of India reported

Hindu families demand permanent PAC presence in village

Over the past few days, on demands made by affected residents, the Uttar Pradesh government decided to deploy the PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) in Kotwa village in response to growing communal tensions allegation.

The media coverage so far has primarily focused on the perspective of the Hindu families, with no statements from the families of the arrested minors and other villagers. One villager pointed out that no peace meetings had been held by the administration in the past two years.

Additional CP leads march in Kotwa village ahead of Ramzan and Holi

Besides these allegations, ahead of Ramzan and Holi festivals, Additional CP Dr. S. Chansya conducted a route march through Kotwa village on Saturday evening i.e. March 8, accompanied by a significant police presence. Former Rohania MLA Surendra Narayan Singh, along with BJP officials, also visited the village to engage with the local community. He reportedly appealed to the residents to celebrate the festivals peacefully and in harmony. During the march, several key officials, including DCP Varuna Gene Chandrakant Meena, ACP Rohania Sanjeev Sharma, and Additional CP Dr. M. Channappa, were present, along with station in-charges from Manduadih, Rohania, and Lohta, as well as PAC jawans.

A peace meeting was held later at IMA, Lahurabir, where Dr. S. Channappa addressed the villagers, urging them to cooperate with the police for a peaceful festival. He emphasized that if any issues arose, the police should be contacted immediately and advised not to believe in rumors. DCP Kashi Zone Gaurav Bansal, ACPs Dhananjay Mitra, Pragya Pathak, and Gaurav Kumar, along with the head priest, also attended the meeting to reinforce the message of maintaining peace and unity throughout the festivities, as reported

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The post Kotwa Varanasi: A viral video of Muslim minors pelting stones on street lights leads to heightened security, police deny communal motive appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The Subramaniya Swamy temple was built in the eighth century during the reign of the Pandyas at the foothills of this monolithic hillrock whereas the dargah was built in the 17th century at the top in the memory of Sikkander Shah, the last Madurai sultan. The Kasi Viswanathan temple is also located close to the top of the hill but on the other side of the dargah.

Locals from both communities have been worshiping together harmoniously for a long time here, but the hill has suddenly emerged as a communal flashpoint.

The core issue

On December 25, 2024, a group of Muslim men were on their way to the dargah, with chicken and goat. The police restricted their entry and stopped them from carrying out animal sacrifice – a practice which has been prevalent here for a long time now.

For centuries, Hindus and Muslims in the area have lived in harmony, respecting and participating in each other’s religious traditions. However, recent allegations by right wing organisations that Muslims are trying to take over the site, calling it ‘Sikkandar Hill’, and introducing meat sacrifice as a new practice, have been unanimously dismissed by locals as baseless and divisive. To prevent these elements from disrupting their long-standing communal harmony, residents of Thiruparankundram, along with representatives of several political parties including Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and Congress, submitted a petition to the district collector on January 27.

Following this incident, right wing outfit Hindu Munnani sought permission from the police to conduct a peaceful protest which was denied and a prohibitory order was instead issued by the district collector under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

The outfit also approached the Madurai bench of the Madras high court and got the go-ahead to conduct the peaceful protest. Thousands of people were mobilised for the protest across the state, who chanted slogans like, “Retrieve the Kandar Malai.”

Next, this issue took a turn when H. Raja, national secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), appealed to relocate the dargah to a different site. Raja was booked for stoking religious sentiments for his alleged comment, “The first war, like Ayodhya, has already begun at Thiruparankundram which is Lord Murugan’s first army camp.”

On February 14, the high court dismissed a petition filed by Hindu Munnani to conduct a procession in Chennai carrying a vel (Lord Murugan’s lance). The court categorically asked the outfit not to create any communal tension.

Is the land dispute new?

The Sikkander Badusha dargah was built around the end of the 17th century. The Subramaniya Swamy temple, although much older than the dargah, had no issues with the dargah or the worship practices conducted there, including animal sacrifice.

In 1915, for the first time the Madura Meenakshi Devasthanam – the body which manages the administrative affairs of the temple – vehemently opposed when the caretakers of the dargah, commonly known as Hukdars, attempted to construct a ‘mandapam,’ in an area close to the dargah site where there are cemeteries of the soldiers who died along with Sikkander Shah – for the pilgrims to take rest.

The Devasthanam claimed ownership over the entire land of the hill and argued that the site proposed to be used by the dargah administration was actually a place where Hindu pilgrims rest. As the government couldn’t take a decision, the matter reached the Madurai subordinate court.

On August 25, 1923, the sub-court ruled that the entire hill except the dargah and the steps leading to it belongs to the temple. This was overruled by the Madras high court and in 1923, the privy council upheld the subordinate court’s decision saying that the “dargah, its flagstaff and flight of steps” belongs to the “Mohammedan defendants” and the rest to the temple. After this ruling, there was no change in its legal position till today.

Animal sacrifice, now claimed to be a new practice, has actually been a long-standing tradition, as testified by local residents, both Hindus and Muslims. The region is also home to several deity temples where animal sacrifice is offered to the gods.

Historical evidence also suggests that Murugan was offered meat in ancient times. In 2003, when chief minister J. Jayalalithaa banned animal sacrifice in temples, strong public opposition led to the repeal of the ban in 2004, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of these traditions. Given that fundamentalists are now attempting to frame this as a land dispute, which is already a matter of court concern, it is essential to examine this issue through the lens of relevant parliamentary legislation.

The real threat 

The Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute is one of the most sensitive political and religious disputes in India that left an everlasting impact on every sphere of the country’s politics. In the early 1990s, the P.V. Narasimha Rao government enacted the Places of Worship Act, 1991 to prevent such disputes in the future. The law underlined that the Babri Masjid case was only an exception.

On December 12, 2024, the Supreme Court asked the Union government to file its counter affidavit within four weeks after a right wing advocate challenged the Places of Worship Act. This counter affidavit which is yet to be filed by the Union government might intensify the already emerging disputes including the tension in the temple city of Madurai.

The DMK, which has intervened in this case before the Supreme Court ironically chose to be silent on the Thiruparankundram hill issue. Here, the right wing is claiming the ownership of the entire hillock. A similar strategy is being used in other places like Ajmer Sharif dargah in Rajasthan, Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal and Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi – to create conflict.

This is against the Ayodhya verdict in which it was clarified that this decision does not give the power to disturb other religious sites and that suits with similar claims over other mosques cannot be entertained. However, numerous lawsuits are being filed in lower courts across North India, claiming ownership over mosques, effectively bypassing the Places of Worship Act and the Ayodhya verdict.

A well-orchestrated strategy and the impending danger

Even in South India, right wing groups have been attempting to reclaim religious sites.

In 2017, the tombs at a dargah in Baba Budhangiri in Chikmagalur, Karnataka were vandalised. In May 2024, Hindutva groups obtained a high court order to survey the Jama masjid in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, claiming it was built over the Moodala Bagilu Anjaneya Swamy temple.

In Tamil Nadu, the Hindu Munnani has been actively opposing the construction of mosques. In August 2024, they halted the stone-laying ceremony of a mosque in Kallakurichi district, claiming the land was meant for Hindu cremation. Similarly, in 2022, they opposed the construction of a mosque in Vellore district, citing potential religious tensions due to nearby Hindu temples.

Unlike the previous incidents, the recent turmoil in Thiruparankundram has garnered significant attention, with thousands mobilising in Madurai on February 4. This escalation, coupled with recent violence in North India, such as in Sambhal, sends an alarming signal.

The situation is further complicated by the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to limit Muslim autonomy over their religious properties. The Bill’s implications, coupled with the challenge to the Places of Worship Act, 1991, now present a concerning picture. The Tamil Nadu government’s silence on the matter only adds to the disconcerting scenario, highlighting the need for public attention and unity.

Sekar Palanisamy is a political scholar from Jawaharlal Nehru University and Edgar Kaiser is a human rights lawyer.

Courtesy: The Wire

The post Why Communal Tension in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruparankundram is Another Warning Signal appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Background of the incident

As per the information available with Sabrang India, on August 16 around at 10.30 AM, a Class X student was stabbed by a fellow student at a government school. District Education Officer Lokesh Bharti said both minors were 15 years old. The incident sparked communal tensions and violence in the city as the student who did the alleged stabbing belongs to the Muslim community. The preliminary inquiry revealed that both the students had some dispute regarding homework in the school and an exchange of remarks took place between both the students prior to the incident.

The District Collector Arvind Kumar Poswal said that the accused has been detained and is being interrogated as to where he brought the weapon from. “The interrogation of the accused has revealed that both had some dispute regarding homework in the school and amid this an exchange of remarks about each other’s family escalated the things to such an extent,” said the Collector. Reported The Free Press Journal

A team of three doctors were brought in from Jaipur to Udaipur to treat and monitor the condition of the injured boy.

“Our priority is treating the boy who was stabbed. On the directions of the Chief Minister (Bhajanlal Sharma), a doctors’ team was brought on a special state plane. His BP, which was at 60 yesterday, has increased to 100. His condition is stable now. Shops have started opening in the city and the law-and-order situation is much better now,” says Udaipur Collector Arvind Poswal.

VIDEO | Udaipur Violence: “Our priority is treating the boy who was stabbed. On the directions of the Chief Minister (Bhajanlal Sharma), a doctors’ team was brought on a special state plane. His BP, which was at 60 yesterday, has increased to 100. His condition is stable now.… pic.twitter.com/Vqs8CncjIF

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 17, 2024

Right-wing groups triggered communal tensions, stones pelted and vehicles set on fire

On Friday, soon after the stabbing incident, members of several Hindu right-wing outfits gathered in the Madhuban area and started provocative slogans and raised controversial remarks and called for shops in the market area of the city to be shut. As word about the stabbing spread, protests erupted in other areas of the city in late afternoon. More than a dozen vehicles were set ablaze.
Forces were deployed in all areas of the city to keep this in check, most markets in the old city remained closed. Many right-wing organisations shut down shops in various areas. The situation gradually escalated into violence, reported BBC Hindi

An enraged mob vandalised shops and a mall in Chetak Circle area. Fire brigades were rushed in to douse the torched vehicles. Collector Poswal later invoked special provisions from the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita’s (BNS) Section 163, which gives local authorities powers to crack down on nuisance or apprehended danger to maintain law and order. Udaipur ASP Umesh Ojha said more forces had been deployed in nearly all areas of the city to check further trouble.

Internet services suspended and school/colleges closed in city

In Udaipur, after the incident turned communal and violent, the District Administration suspended the internet services for 24-hours in several areas of Udaipur and all government and private schools were ordered to remain shut until further orders. Authorities said that the suspension of internet services will help to prevent and check rumour-mongering and incendiary messages. The district administration has not yet found any religious angle behind the stabbing incident.

Rajasthan government bulldozed rented house of the minor boy accused of stabbing

On August 17, a day after the incident on Saturday, the District Administration demolished the house of a boy who allegedly stabbed his classmate. An order was issued by the district forest authority and Municipal Corporation on Friday and gave the family time till Tuesday i.e. August 20 to vacate their home, but the authorities demolished the house later on Saturday i.e. August 17.

VIDEO | Rajasthan: #Udaipur district administration demolishes house of a boy accused of stabbing his classmate.

A mob set fire to cars and pelted stones amid communal tension in Udaipur after a class 10 student stabbed another boy at a government school on Friday.#udaipurnews… pic.twitter.com/h5U6EOywg2

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 17, 2024

However, the rented house of the minor accused belongs to a Muslim auto driver Rashid Khan.

Khan, 60 years old, watched as bulldozers demolished the house on the orders of the Udaipur district administration and the Rajasthan Forest Department, just a day after the 15-year-old son of a man who lived as a tenant in the house and paid rent to Khan, allegedly stabbed and injured his classmate at a city school over a dispute, reported The Wire

PUCL files letter PIL before Rajasthan High Court against “Illegal Bulldozer Justice”

The Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Rajasthan has condemned the demolition of the rented house by the Udaipur Municipal Corporation. PUCL has filed a Public Interest Litigation against the illegal demolition by the district administration. PUCL pleads that the advent of Bulldozer Raj in Rajasthan that is contrary to the Indian Constitution and the Indian Judicial system, which is a very dangerous sign for the future.

PUCL has written a letter to the Chief Justice of Rajasthan, urging him to take cognizance over the incident and said that due to the demolition of the rented house, the victim’s family has become homeless and in the present environment no one is ready to give him shelter.

PUCL pleads in PIL that “urgent intervention on the judicial side is extremely quintessential, currently failing which the lawlessness will soon take over and bulldozer justice will take place of the courts of law for dispensing justice. If this is allowed to be continued, we firmly believe that the day is not far when the executive will bulldoze even the courts of law who are passing orders against their government. Hence, apart from your kind intervention in this matter, as an urgent cry for the disposed family we request for your appropriate directions for the rehabilitation of the dispossessed members and in the meanwhile, we request a transitional shelter pending arrangements of appropriate shelter. We demand compensation for the illegal action of demolition undertaken by the state and   strict legal action against the erring officers who ordered for the said illegal demolition. Investigation in the criminal Case be monitored by the Hon’ble court as the Udaipur police and administration have shown their extreme bias against the accused, even prior to the investigation, that fair and just investigation seems a far cry”.

However, the authorities demolished the house on August 17, within 24 hours of the notice being served.

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The post Violence erupts in Udaipur after student stabbing incident: Internet suspended, government demolishes accused’s home appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Festivals of different faiths falling together are often seen to be an occasion to encourage communal harmony. However, as recorded in recent times, it has often resulted in communal clashes, the after effects of which are felt long after the day itself has passed.

The situation is reportedly still tense in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur, which is also the hometown of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, following communal clashes on Eid. According to a report in NDTV, the police have so far arrested 52 people after the clashes. Around 45 others have also been detained in connection with the violence, and curfew remains in place in Jodhpur’s Udai Mandir, Nagori Gate and some other areas, stated the news report, adding that “internet remains suspended to stop the spread of rumours.” A three-day Parshuram Jayanti festival was in progress in Jodhpur when the clashes happened.

The confrontation reportedly erupted when a group allegedly hoisted “Eid flags” on the Jalori gate circle, on Monday night. Stones were then pelted and many were injured including five policemen. The crowds were dispersed by the police using “tear gas and batons”, stated news reports.

According to a report in the Indian Express, curfew was imposed in 10 police station areas of Jodhpur. After the two communities clashed late Monday night over the “hoisting of an Eid flag over the statue of a freedom fighter”, police told the media that on Tuesday morning, fresh clashes erupted between police and members of the Muslim community.

As Jodhpur is also the hometown of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the area where the violence happened in Sardarpura, his Assembly constituency of Gehlot, the Opposition has directed all criticism towards him. Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)  have accused Gehlot of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, slammed Gehlot and said the violence was the result of his “politics of appeasement”.

स्वतंत्रता सेनानी स्व. बाल मुकंद बिस्सा जी की प्रतिमा पर लगे भगवा झंडे को उतारने की घटना से यह स्पष्ट हो जाता है कि प्रदेश में फैला यह मजहबी उन्माद कांग्रेस सरकार की तुष्टिकरण संस्कृति का ही परिणाम है।
सरकार चेते और तुष्टिकरण की नीति से बाज आए।
(2/2)#Rajasthan

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) May 3, 2022

According to the IE, police have said that “the immediate trigger for the clash had to do with the hoisting of a flag on Eid on the statue of freedom fighter Balmukund Bissa near Jalori Gate in Jodhpur.” Vandita Rana, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jodhpur West, was quoted saying, “Preliminary investigation suggests that the reason for the escalation of tensions resulted from one community hoisting an Eid flag over the statue of a freedom fighter.” The DCP added, “There was a clash between police and people who had offered namaz on Tuesday morning. The people who had come to offer namaz started sloganeering and forcefully tried to go near the statue and remove a saffron flag that was put there after last night’s clashes. Police had to use force to disperse (the crowd). The clash this morning was with police, not the other community.”

Additional Director General (Law and Order) Hawa Singh Ghumaria told the area that the area is adjacent to the Eidgah and  it was while dispersing, that “tension escalated and there was stone pelting. There were flags of Lord Parashuram near the area where namaz is offered. There was a dispute about removing flags. The local Muslim community puts up a flag on the occasion of Eid.” 

Chief Minister Gehlot chaired a high-level meeting at his office; he also made a public appeal for peace and brotherhood. He added that the BJP was fuelling the unrest in Rajasthan, and that the riots were in fact prevented and there were no casualties. “You know what communal riots have resulted in…in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat…” adding that even on Ramnavmi when riots broke out in seven states, there was peace in Rajasthan. “They [BJP] cannot digest peace…. They have orders to create unrest.”

कल जोधपुर में जो कुछ हुआ कोई ऐसा मुद्दा नहीं था कि जहां दंगा भड़कने की स्थिति आए, ये तो हम लोगों ने दंगा कहीं होने नहीं दिया, न करौली में, न राजगढ़ में, न जोधपुर में, इसीलिए कोई कैजुअलिटी नहीं हुई, कोई बड़ी घटना नहीं हुई। pic.twitter.com/pQqyMuMjKi

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) May 4, 2022

However, according to news reports, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat accused the ruling Congress of “doing the politics of appeasement”. He also threatened to “sit on a dharna at Jalori Gate circle if the rioters were not arrested.” He alleged that rioters “entered houses, thrashed people, pelted stones at houses and shops, damaged vehicles,” and added that “the police took no serious action after the tension last night” and that resulted in “the kind of ‘tandav’ that happened today has never happened in Jodhpur.”

कल देर रात हुआ मजहबी उपद्रव मेरे जोधपुर की तासीर नहीं है। यहां ये कृत्य स्वीकार्य नहीं।

मैं सभी अपने जोधपुरवासी भाइयों -बहनों से कहना चाहता हूं कि हमें उकसावे में नहीं आना है। #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/Z9OMqsZa0J

— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) May 3, 2022

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The post Jodhpur: 57 arrested, 45 others detained after communal clashes on Eid eve appeared first on SabrangIndia.

A small incident in old Delhi was being used to spark communal tension in the area, but the multicultural values of Indian society seem to have defeated the attempt. This attempt to turn a spat about parking space into communal disharmony failed, and the residents of Chawri Bazar took out a peace march instead. They have kept the centuries-old values alive that respect all cultures and religions.

Courtesy: News Click

The post Chawri Bazar Incident: Multicultural Values Trump Communalism appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In a terrible, and cynical fallout of the Ram Navmi celebrations, that have this year at least taken an aggressive and violent turn, Rosera (division of Samastipur) and Munger in Bihar and Raniganj in Bengal are experiencing tensions close on the heels of arms filled processions that were ‘allowed’ in both states. While administrations of both states under varied political dispensations have been stating that these processions were ‘authorised’, the issue that remains is whether processionists should be allowed to brandish weapons and also raise provocative slogans, unstopped. Asansol in Bengal was also affected by the communal violence until the district administration brought things under control.

The Hindu reports that three persons have died and several others injured over the past two days after provocative behaviour by processionists organising the Ram Navmi processions in west Bengal. Incidents are reported to have taken place in Raniyan (west Bardhaman district), Kankinara in North 24 Par ganas and Beldi in Purulia district. On late Monday night’s incident at Raniyan, one person died and 30 persons, including six police officials were injured.

 Pictures from Rosera, a division of Samastipur, Bihar

Pictures from Raniganj, Bengal

Late night reports and photographs coming in from all areas report that police had to resort to firing to dispel mobs on the rampage, themselves spreading rumours. Internet was disconnected by the police at Rosera and Munger and both areas were tense till late in the night. Local residents in Bihar, however, did not rise to the bait though the atmosphere remains tense.
 
Violence was sought to be provoked  in Rosera of Samastipur today and about stray shops are reported to have been attackrd.Though reports cold not be confirmed, no serious damage or loss of life occurred. Photographs of minor damages to the  Zeya Ul Uloom Madrassah of Rosera are available on social media. Rosera was once represented by Ramvilas  Paswan. Munger town also reported disturbances till late last night and though firing had to be resorted to, the armed Ram Navmi processions was still doing the rounds. Both Munger and Rosera are market towns in Samastipur.
 
Munger or Monghyr is hometown of Shri Krishna Sinha (1887-1961), the first chief minister of Bihar. It is also the hometown of Maulana Wali Rahmani and Tariq Anwar of NCP too belongs to Munger though he was and MP Katihar
 
Raniganj (West Bengal), not very far from Munger, also had violence where several dozen shops a lot of shops belonging to the minority community have reportedly been burned it is alleged, between today and yesterday. Violence had briefly even spread to Asansol where the violence was thereafter brought under control. Taj Shoes and Leatherworks is one of the establishments gutted.
 
Comments on Facebook were and are telling:
https://www.facebook.com/jitendra.narayan.7
भाजपाई राज का आनंद समस्तीपुर वासियों को भी दिया जा रहा है…
मोबाइल इन्टरनेट सेवा बंद करके…!!!
#जलता_बिहार

Raniganj, Bengal:
जो खबरें आ रही हैं वह बहुत ही बुरी है चुंकी पश्चिम बंगाल का रानीगंज कल आग में जल रहा था, तो आज आसनसोल जल रहा है। क्या अब त्योहार का दूसरा नाम दंगा है? हमारी अपील है की आसनसोल “सिटी ऑफ ब्रॉदरहुड” के आवाम दंगाइयों को दूर रखें। अमन चैन बना कर दंगाइयों के मकसद को विफल करें।
 
Two days ago, The Times of India had reported how at least 20 shops were gutted in fire and more than seven persons got injuries after a communal clash broke out in town area of Aurangabad district after stone pelting took place on a Ram Navami procession at Nawadih area. In the Aurangabad violence, the provocative role of union minister swini Chaubey and his kin has been pointed out. The New Indian Express had reported on this aspect of the provocations casued by elected representatives and his son. The procession, consisting of bike borne youths, was passing through Nawadih Colony under Town police station when some reports said, miscreants pelted stone on it.In Kaimur, some bike borne youths who were going to attend a Ram Navami procession, raised objectionable slogans in front of a mosque at Mughalpura under Chainpur police station area after which clashes took place on Sunday.

Later in retaliation, at least 20 shops located at Ramesh Chowk were gutted in fire by the agitating mob. The chowk is hardly a kilometre away from the spot where stone pelting took place on the procession.Aurangabad DM Rahul Ranjan Mahiwal said that prohibitory ordered under Section 144 of Cr.P.C. were issued as precautionary measures in town area and situation was under control.

“The procession was authorised and was passing through pre-determined route in presence of magistrates and security personnel  when stone pelting took place on it,” he said adding more than seven persons were injured in the violenceDM Mahiwal also said that stone pelting took place between two groups and an agitating mob torched some shops at Ramesh Chowk.
Patna zonal IG Nayyar Hasnain Khan said that district armed police personnel were deployed in the area and the situation was brought under control. “At least five rioters were arrested and several others were detained,” he added.IG Khan said two persons received minor injuries and the situation was immediately brought under control.

While in Gaya, miscreants pelted stones on a Ram Navami procession under Kothi police station area while it was retreating on Sunday. Stone pelting took place between two communities after which huge number of police personnel were deployed.

“No arrest had yet been made in the Kaimur and Gaya incident,” Khan added.Meanwhile in Siwan, communal clash took place when a group of   people stopped a Ram Navami procession at Nizam pur village under Mazharulhaq Nagar police station area on Saturday night.Siwan ASP Kartikeya Sharma said that the procession was “authorised” and it was passing through pre-determined route when it was stopped. The question is whether an ‘authorised” procession should have processionists carrying arms that imply agression and intimidation and should be ‘permitted to raise provocative slogans?

In the state Assembly, the Opposition RJD and Congress attacked the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government over the March 17 communal clashes in Bhagalpur’s Nathnagar and the present Aurangabad clashes. Nitish Kumar assured that the government is doing its best  to maintain communal harmony and urged Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav not to “over-emphasize the clashes” in order to let violent sentiments die down.“The government is giving empty assurances as Union minister Ashwini Choubey’s son Arjit Shashwat is yet to be arrested for causing the clashes in Bhagalpur. Give me permission and four constables and I will have him arrested,” said Yadav to journalists.

Arjit Shashwat moved an anticipatory bail application at the ACJM’s court in Bhagalpur on Monday. The court had issued arrest warrants on Saturday against him and eight others accused of inciting violence at Nathnagar during a procession in a Muslim-dominated area on March 17.
 

“While administration was involved in negotiation, miscreants damaged a school building and its vehicles owned by person from minority community in neighbouring Rampur village,” he said adding couple of shops and a vehicle was damaged due arson attempt. The ASP said the central forced have been deployed in the area.
 

The home department and state police’s special branch had separately published advertisements in newspapers on Sunday especially for Ram Navami urging people not to share objectionable posts on social media, not to raise slogans and display pictures which would hurt religious sentiments.
 
Facebook Videos:
 
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1617772041670780&id=100003140006184
Ashwini Chowbey, Union Minister: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2023808487868604&id=100007184160789
 
 
 

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