New Delhi: Nearly 35 people were detained and a curfew imposed in Karauli in Rajasthan as communal tension broke out in the city following an incident of stone-pelting and arson Saturday.
Stones were allegedly pelted at a motorcycle procession, that was being carried out to mark the Hindu New year ‘Nav Samvatsar’, when it crossed a mosque in a market area, leading to retaliation by those celebrating the festival. Shops and motorcycles were put on fire and 15-20 people were injured in the altercations. However, no one was grievously injured.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed in the area to quell tensions Saturday. An FIR is yet to be registered in the matter.
“The situation is now under control. Curfew has been imposed till tomorrow (4 April), but will be extended if required,” Shailendra Singh Indoliya, Karauli’s Superintendent of Police, told ThePrint.
“We have also detained around 35 people. The investigation is on,” he added.
The 35 detained belonged to both Hindu and Muslim communities. Police are trying to ascertain what led to the clash.
Blame game
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appealed to the public to remain calm and not indulge in violence.
“I have spoken to DG police. Police and administration are present there. I appeal to the public to maintain peace and stay away from miscreants who are present in every religion,” he said to ANI.
He said strict instructions have been given to the police to identify the culprits at the earliest.
करौली में हुई घटना को लेकर डीजी, पुलिस से बात कर स्थिति की विस्तृत जानकारी ली है। पुलिस को हर उपद्रवी से सख्ती से निपटने के निर्देश दिए हैं। मैं आमजन से अपील करता हूं कि शांति बनाए रखें एवं कानून-व्यवस्था बनाने में सहयोग करें।
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) April 2, 2022
Opposition leaders criticised the Congress government for not acting preemptively.
“This incident could have been averted if the administration had taken precautions before the rally was taken out,” said former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje.
“Hate mentality cannot be allowed to flourish in peace-loving Rajasthan. The administration should take strict action against the culprits,” Raje said.
करौली में नव संवत्सर पर निकाली जा रही उत्साह रैली पर विरोधी मानसिकता के लोगों द्वारा किए गये हमले की मैं कड़ी निंदा करती हूं। शांति प्रिय राजस्थान में नफरती मानसिकता को नहीं पनपने दिया जा सकता। प्रशासन को दोषियों पर सख्त कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए।#Rajasthan #Karauli
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) April 2, 2022