राजस्थान: जोधपुर में सांप्रदायिक हिंसा, 51 लोग गिरफ्तार, धारा 144 लागू

Rajasthan: Communal violence in Jodhpur, 51 people arrested, Section 144 imposed

In Jodhpur, communal tensions flared up in the Soorsagar area, leading to injuries among several individuals, including two police officers, as a result of violence surrounding the construction of an eidgah gate. According to officials, the incident took place on Friday night, and the police have since arrested 51 people in connection with the unrest. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been enforced in areas governed by six police stations to prevent further escalation.

The conflict originated over the construction of a gate at the rear side of an eidgah near Rajaram Circle in Soorsagar. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajesh Kumar Yadav explained that the violence erupted when local residents opposed the construction, fearing that the new gate would lead to increased movement in their area. As tensions rose, some individuals resorted to stone-pelting, which resulted in injuries to two police officers.

The situation escalated quickly as the construction activities continued into Friday evening, leading to violent confrontations. According to police reports, the violence included stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism. "A shop and a tractor were set on fire while a jeep was vandalised," a senior police officer reported. The police responded by dispersing the crowd with batons and tear gas shells, firing 4-5 rounds to regain control.

Efforts to restore peace were initially successful with the help of senior community members from both sides, but the situation deteriorated again when stone-pelting resumed. The police faced significant resistance, with stones being thrown from various houses in the area, including Vyapariyon ka Mohalla, Ambon ka Bagh, and Subhash Chowk, which momentarily hindered their advancement.

Law enforcement authorities are actively working to identify the houses involved in the stone-pelting incidents. DCP Yadav confirmed that the police are conducting raids in the locality to apprehend suspects and have taken people from both sides into custody. The police commissioner assured that the situation is now under control with a significant police presence in the entire area to maintain peace.

In addition to the arrests, the police have filed two First Information Reports (FIRs) based on complaints from both communities. Another FIR was lodged by the police under various legal provisions, including charges of perpetrating violence, interfering with government work, damaging public property, disturbing communal harmony, and rioting.

The incident has drawn significant attention due to the communal nature of the violence and the swift response by the police to contain the situation. The imposition of Section 144, which prohibits the assembly of four or more people, indicates the severity of the situation and the need to prevent further disturbances.

Local authorities and community leaders are now focused on restoring normalcy and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. The enforcement of prohibitory orders and the arrests made are seen as measures to deter future violence and maintain law and order in the affected areas.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing communal tensions and the importance of community engagement in preventing and resolving conflicts. As the situation stabilizes, ongoing efforts will be required to address the underlying issues that led to the violence and to promote harmony among the residents of Soorsagar.

The police are also working to ensure that the construction projects in the area, such as the eidgah gate, are carried out in a manner that respects the concerns of all community members, thereby fostering a more peaceful and cooperative environment.

News Reference