Jaipur: Curfew remained in force on Sunday in Rajasthan’s Karauli where communal clashes had broken out after stones were pelted at a motorcycle rally taken out to celebrate the Hindu new year, leaving around 35 people injured. A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe into the issue.
“Around 30 people were detained and a dozen of them have been arrested. A special investigation team led by an Additional Superintendent of Police has been formed to probe the incidents,” DIG Rahul Prakash, who is camping in Karauli, said.
“Curfew is continuing. Some vendors will be allowed to sell essentials like vegetables and milk in the presence of police,” he said, adding that an assessment of losses and damage is underway.
Mobile internet remained suspended on Sunday and police said they were examining videos of the violence that have been shared on social media.
The rally to mark Nav Samvatsar was passing through a Muslim-dominated area when some people pelted stones. The violence escalated and a few shops and a bike were burnt. Several others were damaged, the police said.
Governor Kalraj Mishra and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had spoken to Director General of Police (DGP) M L Lather and appealed to the public to maintain peace.
Officials said 600 policemen, including 50 officers of the ranks of deputy superintendent of police and inspector, have been deployed and four IPS officers have been sent from Jaipur to Karauli.
Gehlot had directed the DGP to take strict action against the culprits.
Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh and all other communities need to contribute and play their constructive role in building an environment of peace and development in the state, he had said.
BJP state president Satish Poonia had held the Congress government responsible for the incident.
Congress government’s appeasement policy is responsible for it. No arrest has been made so far. It was a planned attack on the bike rally which was organised on Hindu new year, Poonia had alleged.
Former chief minister and BJP leader Vasundhara Raje also condemned the incident, and said the “hate mentality” cannot be allowed to flourish in Rajasthan.
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