Tensions Escalate in Bareilly Over Demolition of Controversial Mosque
In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a dispute over the demolition of a controversial religious site has led to significant unrest, with members of two communities clashing. The incident escalated into a confrontation involving stone-throwing and heated slogans from both sides. Reports indicate that BJP MLA M.P. Arya arrived at the scene and staged a protest, making serious allegations against the police regarding the construction of an illegal mosque.
Background of the Incident
The conflict arose in the Keol Dandi village of the Kyoladia police station area after members of the Hindu community destroyed a wall of the site where prayers were being conducted. The site had reportedly been transformed into a mosque, with a room constructed for worship, which triggered complaints from the Hindu community to the police.
Allegations of Illegal Construction
Ajay Kumar Upadhyay, the SDM of Nawabganj, had previously secured the site by locking it and deploying two home guards. However, on Friday, the lock was forcibly removed, and prayers were conducted there. This act provoked an angry reaction from the opposing community, leading to the destruction of the mosque's wall and resulting in violent clashes.
Police and Administrative Response
Upon learning of the situation, SDM Ajay Kumar Upadhyay and CO Harsh Modi arrived at the scene along with police forces from Kyoladia, Nawabganj, and Hafizganj. The police arrested 10 individuals involved in breaking the wall and began repairing the damaged structure. This action further inflamed tensions, with enraged community members surrounding the officials.
During the unrest, BJP MLA M.P. Arya made a statement via social media, accusing the police of facilitating the construction of an illegal mosque. He claimed that the villagers were distressed by this one-sided approach and expressed his determination to halt the ongoing construction by protesting at the site.
Rising Tensions in the Area
The incident has led to increased tension in the locality, prompting the deployment of additional police forces to maintain order. The situation remains volatile, with community members on both sides expressing their frustrations over the handling of the matter. Authorities are urging calm as they work to defuse the situation and address the grievances of the affected parties.
