Saharanpur violence: Section 144 imposed, 4 RAF companies deployed

Saharanpur: Situation in the district has only got worse since the day the violence erupted here. On demand from the Uttar Pradesh government, two more Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies have been deployed in the violence-hit district.

It may be mentioned that two RAF companies were already present there to keep the situation under control.

Congress leader and former Union Minister Kumari Shailja, Rajya Sabha MP P L Puniya and Congress state Vice-President Imran Masood were stopped by the administration when they were on their way to Shabeerpur village. They were stopped near circuit house.

After the Uttar Pradesh government removed two top police officers and a top bureaucrat, the administration has now imposed Section 144 to prevent any untoward incident.

Internet services have also been blocked to avoid any rumour being spread in the district.

Later in the day on Thursday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought a detailed report from the Uttar Pradesh government on the caste violence in Saharanpur district that has left two persons dead and more than two dozen injured, said an official.

"Yes, the ministry has sought a detailed report," a ministry official confirmed.

The police has registered an FIR against unknown people in the case, however, the condition of the person shot remained critical.

It could be recalled that tensions in Saharanpur have prevailed since May 5 last when a scuffle took place, between two communities, over loud music being played during a procession to commemorate the birth anniversary of Rajput king Maharana Pratap.

Get detailed report on Saharanpur violence: Saharanpur on boil again; one Dalit dead, 2 injured in violence

The UP government has held Senior Superintendent of Police SC Dubey and District Magistrate NP Singh responsible for not handling the situation effectively and the officials were immediately suspended. Muzaffarnagar SP has been given additional charge of the district.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also assured of a strong action against all those responsible for the violence in the district. He has appealed for calm, stating, “People should not pay heed to inflammatory speeches and help maintain peace and order.”

Read all about the case: Saharanpur Riots: UP govt suspends DM NP Singh and SSP SC Dubey