The violence erupted between two groups over the ownership of a graveyard land with both the communities claiming ownership of the land for over three decades. It was a curfew-like situation in the region when hundreds of hooligans from both sides engaged in brick-batting and cross-firing for almost two hours. Later, the police had to resort to lathicharge to control the situation. In order to disperse the mob, the police used water cannons, tear gases and fired rubber bullets. The district administration in order to avert any untoward incident deployed Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and has decided to impose Section 144.
As per the report, the brawl took place between the communities over construction of shops on a disputed land which was taking place since the last two weeks. Former Municipal Chairman, Thakur Netrapal, belonging to one community, had claimed ownership of the land and was allowing construction over there. The other community, however, claimed that it was a graveyard and construction cannot be allowed. Around 2 pm, when construction work was in full swing, around 200 youth rushed to the site and forced the workers to stop the work. Their action sparked tension in the entire area resulting in massive arson in dozens of shops and vehicles, looting passers-by, cross firing, stone pelting and brick-batting. The policemen, who intervened, were forced to retreat from the spot.
A huge police force and PAC was rushed the town and the area was turned into fortress. The force took hoodlums on radar by using lathis and firing guns. SP, SDM, DSP and other senior officials rushed to the area and the mob was dispersed. To avert any more mishap, adequate force was deployed in and around the town. “Though we have averted the violence, we have been keeping a close eye on every suspicious movement. We have made elaborate security arrangement and have asked groups to settle the dispute with proper discussion. We have also initiated penal action against those involved in instigating people in order to disrupt communal harmony,” said Dileep Singh, Deputy SP of the area.