Parking row flares into communal violence in Uttarakhand district, police on alert

According to senior police officials, a fight broke out between two youths following a dispute over parking a scooter in front of a shop in Gauchar, located within Karnprayag police station area. On receiving the information, police arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and took both parties to the hospital for treatment.

“The incident took place on Tuesday around 9.30 am, when a Hindu local was parking his scooter in front of a Muslim shop owner. An altercation started when the shop owner reportedly asked the man not to park the vehicle there. Soon others gathered and beat up the Hindu man. The man went to the police and was sent for a medical check-up. However, members of some Hindu outfits gathered and took out a procession in protest,” said Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar.

According to the police, the mob created a ruckus, vandalised some shops, and damaged signboards. The ruckus went on till around 2 pm, and a few persons who suffered injuries were taken to a hospital.

“Following the altercation, a large crowd from the two communities gathered at the Gauchar outpost, leading to tension in the area. The police managed to pacify both groups and brought the situation under control. Acting swiftly, the police registered a case against the accused, Rizwan, Salman, Asif, and 70-80 unidentified individuals, under sections 115(2), 191(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” said Chamoli police in a statement.

To maintain order, additional police forces have been deployed throughout the city. SP Panwar urged citizens to uphold communal harmony, exercise restraint, and promote brotherhood. Additionally, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which deals with maintaining peace and preventing unlawful assemblies, has been imposed across Gauchar.

The police are also monitoring social media, and have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to spread rumors or incite unrest.

“Currently, anti-social elements are spreading messages on social media aimed at disrupting communal harmony, inciting unrest, and attacking the beliefs of certain communities. As a result, an atmosphere of insecurity and fear is growing among the general public. Chamoli police urges all citizens to provide their valuable support in preserving peace and harmony within society,” Chamoli police wrote in a social media post.