Himachal: Amid communal tensions in Chamba, police arrest six

On Thursday, people of a community gathered outside the local police post, raising slogans and blocking the road. The crowd demanded copies of the FIR and the immediate arrest of all those involved.

According to sources, police teams began the search for the accused shortly after midnight on Wednesday. Based on CCTV footage and mobile phone locations, two suspects were apprehended from Mamun Chowk in Pathankot. The two were allegedly attempting to flee in a white car, which has also been taken into custody. Police teams are conducting continuous raids to nab the remaining accused. It is reported that several suspects have switched off their mobile phones or are avoiding calls.

Police said that the incident reportedly began when a group of youths from a particular community allegedly assaulted local youths in Surara Mohalla and made objectionable remarks about the local deity, sparking outrage among residents. Late on Wednesday night, an enraged crowd surrounded the local police post, vandalised property, and demanded the arrest of the accused.

Amid the escalating tension, ASP Chamba Hitesh Lakhanpal reached the spot and appealed for calm, assuring the public that arrests would be made soon. The crowd gradually dispersed late at night, but protests resumed on Thursday morning with fresh sloganeering against the police.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Chamba, Vijay Kumar Saklani, confirmed that six suspects have been arrested in connection with the clash between two groups. He added that more arrests are likely as interrogation of eyewitnesses and suspects continues. The police have registered a case and intensified the investigation.