Eyewitnesses said the protesters raised inflammatory slogans, including calls for violence against Muslims, triggering concern among local residents.
GHAZIABAD — Tensions prevailed in the Khoda area of Ghaziabad on Friday after members of the Hindu Raksha Dal gathered near mosques during Friday prayers, raising provocative slogans and attempting to disrupt the congregation. The protests were reportedly held in connection with the killing of 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan.
Eyewitnesses said the protesters raised inflammatory slogans, including calls for violence against Muslims, triggering concern among local residents.
A heavy police presence was deployed in the area to maintain law and order. Authorities monitored sensitive locations closely to prevent any escalation.
Among those present was Hindu Mahasabha leader Riya Kinnar, who urged supporters to join the protests. Addressing the gathering, she said they would not allow prayers to take place, adding that “skipping prayers for a day would not cause harm.”
The protests took place despite heightened security arrangements by the Ghaziabad Police ahead of Friday prayers. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhaval Jaiswal led flag marches in sensitive areas of Khoda and appealed to residents across communities to maintain peace and avoid actions that could inflame tensions.
Police personnel remained deployed around religious sites throughout the day, and officials said the situation was kept under control.
The incident follows another controversial statement by a right-wing leader a day earlier. On Thursday, Kaali Sena Uttarakhand president Amit Joshi issued threats targeting Muslims and announced plans to organise Hanuman Chalisa recitations at mosques in Delhi on Tuesdays, drawing sharp criticism.
The unrest in Khoda comes in the backdrop of the killing of Surya Pratap Chauhan, a Class 11 student who was allegedly stabbed during an altercation on the day of Eid al-Adha. He later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Police have arrested several accused in the case. The main accused, identified as Asad, was killed in a police encounter. Chauhan’s death has since sparked protests by several Hindu organisations, some of which have framed the incident in communal terms.
Following the incident, the situation in Khoda took on a communal dimension, prompting heightened security measures. The district administration also carried out demolition drives, including action against the house of the main accused. Notices were reportedly served to several madrassas in the locality.
Authorities have repeatedly appealed for calm, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb communal harmony. Police continue to maintain a strong presence in the area as investigations into the murder case proceed.
