NEW DELHI: A violent clash broke out in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah after a group of people opposed construction work on private land near Dargah, claiming it to be Waqf property.
The incident took place on Sunday evening in Jalesar town and left several people injured.
The clash occurred when individuals, allegedly led by accused Rafiq, attempted to stop construction on a plot of land owned by Anil Kumar Upadhyay and others, news agency PTI reported citing police.
After the clash, two accused were arrested and a case has been lodged against 16 suspects and around 150 unidentified others.
Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Vipin Kumar Moral told PTI that the “disputed land — bearing survey numbers 3181 to 3192′ — private ancestral property, as confirmed by revenue records and prior demarcation in the presence of dargah committee members.”
Etah Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shyam Narayan Singh said the police acted promptly to control the situation.
Rafiq, the alleged mastermind, was sent to judicial custody on Monday.
“Two key accused, identified as Farmaan alias Bunty and Rafiq, son of Abdul Latif, have been arrested. We will not tolerate any breach of law and order,” officials said.
Circle Officer (CO) Nitish Garg said those involved in stone pelting and vandalism are being identified through viral videos.
“Strict action will be taken against all culprits. The situation is under control, and peace has been restored,” he told PTI.
“All individuals involved in the violence will be arrested. Law and order will not be compromised under any circumstances,” SSP Singh stressed.
This comes when a situation remains tense in Sambhal over clashes during a court-mandated survey at the Mughal-era Jama Masjid on Sunday that left three dead and over 20 police personnel injured. A fourth injured person died on Monday.
Tight security measures, including prohibitory orders and internet suspension, have been implemented in Sambhal to prevent further escalation. Entry of outsiders into Sambhal has been barred till November 30.
A magisterial probe has also been ordered into the violence. The state police have lodged seven FIRs in connection with the violence, naming Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and local SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Sohail Iqbal as accused.