Greater Noida: Opposing groups clash in Dankaur over Eid prayers

OLD RIVALRY: One group attacked the other’s house and opened fire, one injured

Two groups clashed in Greater Noida’s Dankaur area on Tuesday as both groups wanted their group’s maulvi to lead devotees in offering prayers at the Idgah.

The groups involved are neighbours and relatives. After the attack police from four stations were deployed in the area. (HT Photo)

Although the police pacified the devotees at the time and everybody left for their homes, one of the groups allegedly attacked the house of one Munna Qureshi later and opened fire, injuring his son Yusuf.

“One bullet hit Yusuf in the head, injuring him. Yusuf’s sister and other family members were also injured. I had alerted the police that the other group will attack once we reach home, but the police reached our house only after they fled. Had the police provided help on time, the incident could have been avoided. We are afraid that they may attack us again,” said Shafiq Qureshi, Yusuf’s uncle.

Police and Yusuf’s family rushed him to a private hospital in Greater Noida and police force was deployed at the victim’s house after the incident.

“One person, identified as Shahid, was arrested from the spot. Four others were detained for questioning. Additional police force was deployed in the locality to avert further incidents,” said Abhishek Yadav, superintendent of police (rural), Gautam Budh Nagar.

Police said the Yusuf is undergoing treatment for multiple injuries, but they have not found any gunshot wound on his body yet.

“The doctors have not confirmed any gunshot wounds yet. However, we are investigating the matter from every angle,” said Yadav.

Police said the two groups, both relatives and neighbours, have an old rivalry over property and business. Members and supporters of both groups confronted each other before the Bakr-Eid celebrations on Tuesday, ending in a violent clash.

“More persons involved in the incident are being identified and further arrests will take place soon. We are verifying the claims of firing in the air,” said Yadav.

Forces from four police stations nearby were sent to the spot, but were withdrawn later after the situation came under control. Four police vans were kept on standby in the area to keep an eye on the situation.

“Such incidents never took place during festivals. Some people with old personal rivalries are clashing with each other on this auspicious occasion. Such incidents are not appreciated by the elders of the locality. We will soon call a meeting to resolve this issue. Personal enmity during festival celebrations cannot be tolerated,” said Kari Mohammad Razzak Ahmad, a local maulvi.