Argument snowballs into clash between two communities in Noida,three arrested

A heavy security cover was deployed in the area and an FIR lodged at Sector-39 police station. Police said around 10.30 am on Sunday,200-odd people came to the village and started hurling stones and glass bottles towards the homes of the Dalits. Residents alleged that the people also fired several rounds in the air,prompting the Dalit families to board up their shops and retreat indoors.

Residents said the violence began over a minor issue. “A Swift car being driven by the other community hit my son. When he protested,they attacked and abused him. We tried to sort out the matter and called his father. But instead,his father filed an FIR at Sector 39 police station against us. We wrote a complaint and gave it to the station house officer,but he refused to register a case,” Sukhpal Singh said.

Sukhpal alleged that he had asked for police protection,but police denied his request. “If they had registered an FIR and deployed force in the area,none of this would have happened,” he said.

Police said they had begun investigation. “Three arrests have been made so far. I have also ordered a preliminary inquiry by the deputy superintendent into the matter. All complaints are being lodged to ensure that justice prevails,” Preetinder Singh,senior superintendent of police,said.

As many as 26 people have been named and 150 unidentified persons mentioned in the FIR registered under relevant Sections of the IPC and the SC/ST Act.