Monday's communal clash in Haryana's Nuh has sent shockwaves through the upscale areas of Gurugram, prompting authorities in Delhi to heighten security measures and launch drone surveillance on Wednesday.
As the violence spilled over to the posh localities of Gurugram on Tuesday, authorities imposed prohibitory orders in the city. Several shops and vehicles near a residential society in Gurugram fell victim to arson on Tuesday, escalating the tension further, reports ndtv.com.
To curb any further escalation in violence, Police have banned the loose sale of petrol or diesel. Rioters have been using easily available fuel to ignite fires, causing significant damage to property.
The incident in Nuh, barely 50km from Delhi, was allegedly triggered by an objectionable video that went viral, leading to clashes during a religious procession on Monday. The procession was attacked with stones, prompting over 2,500 participants to seek refuge in a temple to protect themselves.
The video in question was apparently posted by self-proclaimed cow vigilante Mohit Yadav, also known as Monu Manesar, who threatened to participate in a Brijmandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Nuh. The tension escalated as clashes were reported during the Bajrang Dal and VHP procession, leaving three dead, including two Home Guard personnel, and many injured on Monday.
The violence further escalated on Tuesday, when a mob of nearly 100 people, allegedly carrying guns, sticks, and swords, broke into an under-construction mosque in Gurgaon's Sector 57. They set the mosque on fire and fatally stabbed Mohammad Saad, the naib Imam of Anjuman Jama Masjid. Another caretaker, Mohammad Khurshid, was also injured during the attack. Throughout the day, clashes erupted in various parts of Gurugram, escalating the tension in the city.
The clashes resulted in the deaths of six persons and leaving several others injured. A Bajrang Dal activist, Pradeep Sharma, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, bringing the death toll in the violence to six. Pradeep was injured during the clashes in Nuh on Monday.
Right-wing organisations, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, organised protest marches in various parts of Delhi on Wednesday in response to the violence in Haryana. These protests caused traffic jams in multiple areas, leading to disruptions in the city and its neighbouring regions.
Officials claimed they were working tirelessly to restore peace and stability in the region. They urged citizens not to fall prey to rumours and misinformation spread on social media.
On Wednesday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed his suspicions about a conspiracy behind Monday's clashes, which he said were unfortunate, PTI reported. He believed that some people orchestrated the attack on those participating in the yatra and the police, leading to violence in several places.
With the situation remaining volatile in the affected areas, 15 FIRs were registered in Gurugram and 26 in Nuh. The police have arrested several individuals and are closely monitoring the region.
In light of the ongoing situation, authorities suspended internet services and imposed prohibitory orders to prevent the spread of misinformation and curb the possibility of further violence.
Khattar assured the public that the authorities are working to identify the conspirators behind the violence, and said that strict action will be taken against them. He said as many as 116 people have been arrested by Haryana Police. He emphasised that the security and safety of the common people are the government's top priority.
The Haryana government deployed 20 companies of central security forces in the state to maintain law and order. An appeal was made to the public to maintain peace and harmony during this challenging time.
