Eleven Arrested in Roorkee Double Murder Case Linked to Sant Ravidas Jayanti Violence
Police in Roorkee have arrested eleven people on Thursday in connection with a double murder and violent incident that occurred during a procession marking Sant Ravidas Jayanti in Binarsi village of Bhagwanpur near Roorkee on February 1. The clash erupted between two rival groups from the same community, leading to a tragic escalation that resulted in two fatalities and several injuries.
Violence Erupts During Religious Procession
The confrontation began with a verbal altercation during the Sant Ravidas Jayanti procession and quickly spiraled into widespread violence across the village. The incident involved stone-pelting, firing, and rioting, causing chaos and endangering residents. Two men lost their lives in the violence, while several others sustained injuries, including three individuals who suffered gunshot wounds.
Root Cause: Long-Standing Personal Dispute
According to police investigations, the violence stemmed from a long-standing personal dispute between two youths: 20-year-old Anand and 21-year-old Vishal. The conflict is allegedly linked to a relationship involving a local woman. During the clash, Vishal allegedly shot Anand dead using an illegal firearm. In retaliation, members of Anand's group allegedly beat 45-year-old Mangeram, a supporter of Vishal, to death.
Legal Actions and Police Response
Named First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against 25 persons from both sides involved in the violence. Anand's father filed a complaint against seven people, while Mangeram's son lodged a separate FIR against 18 persons from the rival group. Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobal confirmed that eight accused were arrested from one group and three from the other, and the weapon used in the crime has been recovered. Raids are currently underway to apprehend the remaining accused.
Disciplinary Measures Against Police Personnel
In response to lapses in handling the situation, police authorities have initiated disciplinary action against several officers. Bhagwanpur police station in-charge inspector Surya Bhushan Negi and senior sub-inspector Ramesh Saini were removed from their posts and attached to police lines. Additionally, Tejjupur police post in-charge Surat Singh and two constables were suspended. These measures aim to address accountability and ensure better management of such incidents in the future.
The case highlights the severe consequences of personal disputes escalating into public violence, especially during religious events. Police continue their investigations to bring all perpetrators to justice and restore order in the affected community.
