Tensions erupted into violence in Chomu town of Rajasthan on Friday morning, resulting in injuries to four police personnel during an operation to remove illegal encroachments. The incident, which occurred approximately 40 kilometers from Jaipur, prompted authorities to suspend internet services in the area for 24 hours as a precautionary measure.
Sequence of Events Leading to Violence
The conflict stemmed from an ongoing dispute regarding obstructions on a public road outside a local mosque. According to police reports, discussions were held between the administration and community members on Thursday evening. The community members had initially agreed to voluntarily remove stones placed on the roadway.
However, after the stones were cleared, a new point of contention arose. Some individuals allegedly began installing iron railings to demarcate a boundary outside the mosque. This new structure was deemed an encroachment onto the public road, leading to fresh objections from authorities.
Clashes During Demolition Drive
The situation escalated on Friday morning when police arrived with an excavator to dismantle the newly erected iron railings. As the demolition commenced, some miscreants began pelting stones at the police and the excavator machine. The attack left four policemen injured, and they were subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Police responded by firing tear gas shells and using mild force to disperse the agitated crowd. Deputy Superintendent of Police for Chomu, Usha Yadav, confirmed that apart from the policemen, two to three others also sustained minor injuries in the melee.
Heightened Security and Official Response
Additional police forces were swiftly deployed from neighboring police stations in Chomu, Harmada, Vishwakarma, and Daulatpura to control the situation. Senior police officials, including the Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Agarwal, were present at the spot.
Sanjay Agarwal stated that the situation was completely under control and warned of strict action against those who took the law into their own hands. To prevent the spread of rumors and maintain peace, internet services in Chomu were suspended for a full day.
As part of confidence-building measures, police personnel have been conducting flag marches across the town since morning. Special teams have also been formed to identify and arrest the individuals involved in the stone-pelting and violence.
