After Sambhal, clashes in UP’s Etah over ‘Waqf Board ownership’ | Latest news India

Amid political tensions over the Sambhal clashesViolence broke out in Etah in Uttar Pradesh after a group of people opposed the construction of a private plot claiming it belonged to Waqf, officials said on Monday.

The incident took place in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalesar city on Sunday evening, injuring several people and causing significant property damage, officials further said.

So far, two suspects 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 dozens, including police personnel, injured in Sambhal after a violent clash broke out over a court-ordered probe into a Mughal-era mosque.

Etah violence: what exactly happened

The clash took place when some individuals, allegedly led by a suspect named Rafiq, tried to stop construction activities on a plot of land near a 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 destroyed a border wall with hammers, damaged more than a dozen vehicles and also engaged in stone pelting, police said.

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

“The disputed land – bearing survey numbers 3181 to 3192′ – is private ancestral property as confirmed by the revenue records and prior demarcation in the presence of members of the Dargah Committee,” said Vipin Kumar Moral, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).

Two suspects arrested for Etah violence

The Uttar Pradesh police on Monday arrested Rafiq, the alleged mastermind, and sent him to judicial custody, officials said.

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

The names of 16 other suspects have also been added in the FIR, including Rafiq, on charges of rioting, criminal intimidation and causing public unrest.

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

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

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

Meanwhile, there is tension in the Uttar Pradesh city but flag marches were held and additional troops will be deployed if necessary, the officials added.