Jodhpur, June 23: On Saturday, Jodhpur police detained at least 51 individuals in connection with a violent clash that erupted between two religious groups in the Soorsagar area late on Friday night. The altercation, stemming from a dispute over the installation of two new gates at an Eidgah near Rajaram Circle, escalated into stone-pelting and arson.
According to Jodhpur Police Commissioner Rajendra Singh, tensions had been simmering for days over the gate installations, which locals alleged were not approved by the local municipality. The situation intensified around 10:15 pm on Friday when a group of 10 to 15 individuals from the Eidgah began pelting stones at another group. In the ensuing chaos, a local shop was set ablaze, and two cars, including a police van, were vandalized.
Police officials reported that negotiations earlier in the evening had seemingly resolved the dispute. However, shortly after the agreement to close the gates, violence broke out. The clash resulted in injuries to two police officers, Inspector Nitin Dave and Constable Shaitan Singh, both of whom have since been discharged from the hospital.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Sharad Chaudhary described the scene, noting that the agitated mob vandalized local shops, homes, and several vehicles. A broom shop was set on fire, which also damaged a nearby house, and a tractor in the Subhash Chowk area was torched.
In response to the escalating violence, police employed mild force and fired tear gas to disperse the mob. The situation was brought under control after several hours, with Police Commissioner Rajendra Singh overseeing the efforts.
To maintain order, DCP Alok Shrivastava issued Section 144 in parts of Soorsagar, and additional police forces, including the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC), were deployed. The police are actively patrolling the area to prevent further disturbances.
Commissioner Singh confirmed that 51 people have been detained so far, and investigations are ongoing to identify all those involved in inciting the violence. An FIR has been filed against unidentified individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting and causing harm to public servants.
This incident marks the third significant communal clash in the area in the past five years, following similar events in April 2019 and June 2022. The police are probing all angles to understand how the tension was provoked despite the prior agreement between the groups.
Union Minister and BJP MP from Jodhpur, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, assured that the government is taking the matter seriously and will take necessary action against those responsible for disturbing the peace. State Minister Jogaram Patel echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining communal harmony.
The police continue to investigate the incident and work towards restoring peace in Jodhpur.
