Several states across India witnessed unrest during the Muharram processions held on Sunday. Incidents of clashes, accidents, and chaos were reported from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Several people died after coming into contact with high-tension wires during the processions, while in other places, the atmosphere turned tense due to sloganeering and stone-pelting. The police and administration deployed forces in various locations to control the situation and, as a precautionary measure, suspended internet services in several districts.
Deaths Due to Electrocution
In several districts of Uttar Pradesh, the Muharram processions turned violent. In the Sadhanpur village of Khuthan police station area in Jaunpur, a procession of people returning after burying a Tazia came into contact with a high-tension wire. Three people were injured in the accident, two of whom died during treatment. The Superintendent of Police visited the site and took stock of the situation.
In Faridpur, Bareilly, a 23-foot-high Tazia from Gausganj village collided with an 11,000-volt power line as it reached the main road. The Tazia caught fire due to the intense current. Panic ensued, and several people jumped into a nearby river to save themselves. The upper part of the Tazia was burnt, but the villagers bravely extinguished the fire and re-buried the Tazia. SP South, Anshika Verma, has taken serious note of the matter and ordered an investigation.
In Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, a minor argument between two communities during the Muharram procession suddenly escalated into a dispute. The situation worsened, leading to sloganeering and chaos. A young child was injured in the ensuing stampede, sustaining a head injury. Upon receiving the information, the police reached the spot and pacified both sides, restoring calm. While peace has been restored in the area, police surveillance has been increased as a precaution.
In Shardanagar, Lakhimpur, stone-pelting was also reported during the procession. The police intervened and dispersed the miscreants. Meanwhile, in Aligarh, a Tazia collided with a high-tension line near the Rahmaniya Masjid, resulting in the death of one youth and injuries to two others.
Atmosphere Shaken by Electrocution and Arson
Several incidents were also reported during Muharram processions in several districts of Bihar. In Khirma village of Darbhanga district, a dispute between two factions of the same community over an old feud escalated into a violent clash. Stone-pelting and vandalism occurred from both sides, resulting in the injury of dozens of people. The police deployed a heavy force to control the situation.
In Diri village of Nawada district, a flag during the Tazia procession came into contact with a high-tension wire, injuring eight youths. All were admitted to the hospital.
Meanwhile, in Patepur, Vaishali, a speeding bus hit two people during the procession. Enraged by the incident, people set the bus on fire. The police deployed forces to manage the situation.
In Katihar, two groups confronted each other during the Tazia procession, and heavy stone-pelting ensued. Several people, including a police officer, were injured in the violence. The police resorted to a baton charge. Internet services were suspended for 24 hours in the district, given the tension.
Fighting and Uproar
In Churu district of Rajasthan, a minor boy was beaten to death during the procession. DSP Sunil Jhajharia said that efforts are being made to identify and arrest the accused. Police force has been deployed in the area, given the tension.
In Sikar district, an argument erupted between some youths during the Tazia procession being taken out on Eidgah Road, which soon turned into a scuffle with sticks and batons. The police, who arrived at the scene after the commotion, controlled the situation and deployed additional force as a precaution.
In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, an uproar erupted when some people tried to take out a procession forcibly through a prohibited route. When the police stopped them, the people broke the barricades and manhandled the police officers. Five police officers were injured. The police had to resort to a baton charge to disperse the crowd. An FIR has been registered against 15 people in this case.
Surveillance in Sensitive Areas
Following the incidents of violence, clashes, and accidents across the country during Muharram, the administrations of all states have become alert. Additional forces have been deployed in many districts, and continuous patrolling is being carried out in sensitive areas. Police officials have stated that the situation is under control, but surveillance has been increased to maintain peace.
