After Sambhal, clashes in Etah UP over ‘Waqf Board property’

Amid political tensions over Sambhal clashesRiots broke out in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, after a group of people opposed construction on a private plot of land, claiming it was Waqf property, officials said on Monday.

Security personnel patrol the violence-hit area in Sambhal a day after clashes and stone-pelting incidents in connection with the Jama mosque probe.(PTI)

The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the city of Jalesar in the state of Uttar Pradesh, injuring several people and causing significant property damage, officials further said.

So far, two accused have been arrested and a case has been registered against 16 named suspects and around 150 unidentified others.

The incident comes just days after at least four people were killed and scores injured, including police officers, in Sambhal following a violent confrontation over a court-ordered inspection of a Mughal-era mosque.

Violence in Etah: What exactly happened

The clash broke out when some people, allegedly led by an accused named Rafiq, tried to stop construction work on a plot of land located near the Dargah.

According to the police, the plot is owned by one Anil Kumar Upadhyay and others, but the mob alleged that the said property belonged to the Waqf Board.

The group then allegedly demolished the border wall with hammers, damaged several vehicles and threw stones, police said.

After receiving reports of violence, SSP Shyam Narayan Singh and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajkumar Singh reached the spot to assess the situation. A large contingent of police, including PAC personnel, was deployed to restore peace.

“The disputed land – marked with survey numbers 3181 to 3192 – is the private property of the ancestors, which is confirmed by the revenue records and prior demarcation in the presence of dargah committee members,” said Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vipin Kumar Moral.

Two defendants arrested in connection with violence in Etah

According to officials, the Uttar Pradesh police on Monday arrested Rafiq, the alleged mastermind of the crime, and sent him to judicial custody.

“Two key accused identified as Farmaan alias Bunty and Rafiq son of Abdul Latif have been arrested. We will not tolerate any breach of law and order,” he said.

The names of 16 other accused, including Rafiq, were also added to the FIR on charges of rioting, intimidation and public nuisance.

“One of the accused tried to strangle the complainant, indicating a clear intention to cause harm,” Raghav added.

Circle Officer (CO) Nitish Garg said that those involved in stone-pelting and vandalism are being identified through viral videos.

“Strict action will be taken against all culprits. The situation is under control and peace has been restored,” he said.

Meanwhile, tension prevails in the Uttar Pradesh city but flag marches have been held and additional forces will be deployed if necessary, officials added.