Ahead of the killing of the 44 year old Bharatiya Janata Party worker and injuries to two of his brothers in an irrigation water dispute in the Dehradun’s vikasnagar area on Saturday, the district administration has demolished an alleged illegal construction at the accused’s other house.
The Incident
The incident, as said by the police, occurred around 6:30 pm on Saturday following an argument that broke out between the victim, Vinod Kumar and his neighbour identified as Imtiyaz. Kumar is also associated with BJP OBC Morcha and local right wing groups. The argument occurred during an ongoing irrigation dispute in Bairangiwala village.
“During the incident, members of one group allegedly assaulted the three brothers—Ashok, Vinod, and Rajesh Kumar. They were taken to Lehman Hospital, where Vinod succumbed to his injuries,” Dehradun senior superintendent of police (SSP) Pramendra Singh Dobhal said.
Police said that the dispute intensified following the argument between Kahyap’s younger brother Ashok and Imtiyaz’s family. The argument was followed by a large group allegedly reaching Kahyap’s house armed with sticks, sharp weapons, and hammers.
Tension Unfolded
The incident triggered tension in the area with protestors demanding “bulldozer action” on accused property. Meanwhile, the district administration razed down a partition of one of the accused’s houses citing illegal construction.
Members of Bajrang Dal and other right wing organisations gathered in Bairagiwala village with chants of “Jai Shri Ram”, vandalising and setting houses of accused on blaze. The videos which went viral on the internet showing smoke coming out of the properties with crowds on the road demanding justice.
“They tried to enter the property, and set fire to the fields. However, police managed to contain it and curb further activities. We have deployed platoons of IRB, PAC, and other forces,” SP, Crime, Jitender Chaudhary said as reported by the Indian Express.
Sahaspur Circle Officer Anuj Kumar said a communally charged environment has been reported from the area. “We have the videos in which such speeches were made. We will look into those. However, our priority remains maintaining law and order. We have deployed officers from four police stations, two circle officers, and the Superintendent of Police, crime, to manage the area,” the CO said as reported by the Indian Express.
