Team Clarion
BHILWARA — Several shops belonging to the members of Muslim community were razed and a notice was issued to the Jama Masjid after clashes erupted between two groups during a religious procession in Rajasthan’s Jahazpur area on Saturday.
While people from among a local Hindu religious procession alleged that stones were pelted on the procession, the Muslims in the area alleged that a Hindutva mob from the procession tried to enter the mosque and raised provocative slogans.
Following the allegations of stone pelting, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Gopi Chand Meena led a protest in front of the mosque demanding the bulldozer actions against the people who allegedly pelted stones.
Meena reportedly said that he will continue to protest unless those who pelted stones are identified and arrested.
According to reports, the police have arrested over 20 people in the case of alleged stone pelting.
Jahazpur Nagar Palika also issued a notice to the President of Masjid Committee Muslim Samaj directing them to submit the documents related to the land of the mosque within 24 hours.
“You are informed that whatever documents there are related to the lease/construction approval of the owner in relation to Jama Masjid located in local ward 09, it should be ensured to be presented to the municipality within 24 hours,” reads the notice.
Several videos showing the authorities destroying the shops by the bulldozers have gone viral on social media. A video of BJP MLA Meena demanding the bulldozer actions while addressing the crowd has also gone viral.
Another video shows that mobs are looting shops while there are unconfirmed reports of looting over 20 shops during the clashes.
A video shows that mobs armed with sticks are roaming in the populated areas while vandalising the properties and creating ruckus.
Reports suggest that Hindutva groups continue protesting in front of the mosque demanding the demolition of the mosque.
Meanwhile, the mosque committee has submitted the documents related to the mosque and its land.
Jameel Khan, state president of All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen, while slamming the bulldozer actions said, “Those who please their masters by driving bulldozers and those who clap when someone else’s house or shop is demolished should remember that everyone will be held accountable.”
AIMIM’s national spokesperson Waris Pathan said “The atrocities on Muslims is growing day by day. How long will the Muslims have to tolerate this? Where is that champion leader of secularism? Why is he silent? Why is he not opening his mouth? Is it because the victims are Muslims? When will the police an administration take action?”.
BJP MP Damodar Agarwal has lauded the action taken by the administration by pointing out “anger in the Hindu community”.
“The Hindu community was infuriated over this but the police took immediate action and additional force reached there and photographs from drones were used to detain the miscreants. About 12 suspicious persons were detained by the police. Chief Minister, Police Administration are keeping a close watch on the situation from Jaipur,” Agarwal said.
