A “Hindu” rally going by a mosque led to arson and violence in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh. Recent reports indicate that 12 people have sustained injuries during the incident and there were also cases of stone pelting near a place of worship. After the incident, the police arrested 18 people.
According to NDTV Rajasthan, the issue arose when a procession, playing drums, went by near a mosque as prayers were taking place inside. After this, some people objected to the noise made by the procession’s drums, and the disagreement quickly escalated into a confrontation.
A 55-year-old shopkeeper, Shyam Lal Chhipa suffered a fatal heart attack during the altercation and passed away while being transported to the hospital. Two other injured people were referred to Bhilwara for further medical attention. According to Live Hindustan, several shops and bikes had also been set on fire.
The extra police presence, including personnel from the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC), deployed in the village. The situation has been reported to now be under control. However, the police have said that they are continuing the investigation to catch the culprits.
A video was posted by Hate Detectors of the incident where young boys inside the mosque can be seen in panic as fire erupts outside the mosque.
In #Rajasthan‘s #Chittorgarh, communal clashes were reported on Tuesday after a religious procession playing loud music was taken out before a mosque. One died and 7 injured.
The police arrested 18 accused in the case. pic.twitter.com/TIB3Co3WjB
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) March 22, 2024
As per NDTV Rajasthan, District Collector Alok Ranjan explained, “On Tuesday night, a Hindu procession was being taken out. When it reached near the mosque, some Muslim men objected to the procession being taken out from their religious place. This led to a confrontation between the two sides, which later escalated into stone pelting. About 12 people were injured, and later admitted to the hospital for treatment. During this incident, one person died, however the preliminary cause of death is being reported as a heart attack.”
According to The Hindu, the religious procession in Pahuna is an annual tradition, but recent years have seen changes in its scale and participants.
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As the date for the general assembly election approaches, hate crimes in India continue