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1 killed in Dalit-Rajput clash over watching Kanwaria procession in Meerut village
A Dalit youth was killed and several others injured in clashes between Rajputs and Dalits over some Dalits watching a Kanwariya procession in a Meerut village on Thursday, police said. Members of the Rajput community allegedly took offence to the Dalits watching a Kanwariya procession.
A Dalit youth was killed and several others injured in clashes between Rajputs and Dalits over some Dalits watching a Kanwariya procession in a Meerut village on Thursday, police said.
Members of the Rajput community allegedly took offence to the Dalits watching a Kanwariya procession.
Clashes between members of the two castes were also reported from another Meerut village on Thursday.
Police said three Rajput men have been arrested for the alleged murder of Dalit youth, Rohit (19), who succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Heavy force has been deployed to prevent further clashes and senior officials are camping in the affected villages.
At least six persons from both the sides were injured.
“We are trying to identify others who were involved in the violence,” said Rajesh Kumar, SP (rural).
The first incident took place in Uldepur village, under Ganga Nagar police station on Thursday morning when Dalits and Rajputs clashed after a group of Rajput youths allegedly beat up three Dalit youths who had gone to see a Kanwar procession on Wednesday night.
The issue was, however, settled with the intervention of village elders.
However, upset over the incident, a group of Dalits allegedly rushed to Rajputs’ locality in the village and clashed with them for over half-an-hour, leading to the death of Rohit.
In retaliation, angry Dalits blocked the road by placing the body of the deceased on the Ambedkar crossing.
They also refused to perform the last rites of the deceased until the accused were arrested.
Sensing trouble, police swung into action and arrested three accused.
Reports said Dalits and Thakurs of Uldepur and neighbouring Sikhera village have not been on good terms for several years.
Tension has been brewing between the two castes ever since a statue of Ambedkar was installed on a government land in Sikhera during BSP rule.
The statue was once vandalised leading to a clash between the two castes.
Since then, security personnel have been guarding the statue.
In the other incident, a group of Rajput youths thrashed Dalits in Kasar village of Sardhana area on Thursday after a Dalit youth allegedly tried to molest a Rajput girl on Wednesday evening.
The angry Rajputs attacked Dalits and beat up whoever came in front of them.
Some Dalits alleged that police did not pay heed to them when they tried to lodge a complaint.
SP (rural) Rajesh Kumar is camping in the village along with police force of different police stations. He said the situation was under control.
