Days after the murder of BJP leader Vinod Kashyap in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district, pangs of anxiety hang in Bairagiwala village, with a curfew-like situation prevailing in the area. Shops and houses remain locked from inside, sweeping eerie silence. Police officials stated that strict security arrangements will remain in place due to the sensitive situation.
Police registered a case against as many as 150 people who were accused of involvement in the violence that occurred after Kashyap’s death. The case was allegedly registered ahead of the complaint by senior sub-inspector Manmohan Singh. Meanwhile, the accused, Imtiyaz, has also been arrested, making a total of five in the case.
The case
Violence unfolded in Vikas Nagar, Dehradun, on June 13, ahead of the murder of a BJP Yuva Morcha functionary amidst an agricultural irrigation water dispute. Tensions arose as Vinod Kumar was beaten to death during the clashes on Sunday evening.
Soon the incident turned into communal violence between two communities, with stone pelting and setting the accused’s house on fire. The violence was accompanied by the protest demanding “bulldozer action” to roll on the accused Imtiaz’s structure. The day after this, the accused’s other house was bulldozed. Despite police claims the situation is peaceful, ground reports indicate communal tensions persist in the area.
Amidst the fragile situation, the Muslim Seva Sangathan demonstrated a protest outside the district magistrate’s office, saying that innocent Muslims were wrongfully targeted after the violence.
The organization alleged that houses of people who were not involved in the clashes were razed.
“We demand ₹10 lakh compensation for the deceased leader’s family and a government job for one family member. At the same time, innocent people whose homes were demolished should also get justice,” Muslim Seva Sangathan president Naim Qureshi said.
“Several innocent families suffered due to bulldozer action. Officials responsible for wrongful action should also be held accountable,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rural Superintendent of Police Pankaj Gairola said, “Those attempting to create unrest and disturb peace will face strict legal action. The matter is being investigated seriously, and no guilty person will be spared.”
However, Uttarakhand Kali Sena state president Bhupesh Joshi allegedly called for Muslims to be driven out of the village and opposed the presence of mosques and the adhan.
During the gathering, he also warned that if authorities did not act, they would bring bulldozers themselves.
“I want to tell the Hindus here to drive the Muslims out of here. No mullah should be seen in the village, and there should be no mosques, nor any adhan. Muslims have no right to live in the country,” he said.
