Clashes and tragedies mar Muharram processions in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
New Delhi/UNI/IBNS: Muharram processions were marred in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi on Saturday resulting in deaths and injuries.
In Delhi 12 police personnel were injured as a result of stone pelting. The clashes occurred when a group of 'tazia' procession organizers attempted to deviate from the predetermined route, leading to objections from authorities, India Today reported.
Subsequently, the police were targeted with stones by the crowd.
The confrontation escalated as the police responded by resorting to a "mild lathi-charge" to regain control and disperse the unruly crowd.
The clashes resulted in damage to several vehicles in the area. However, Delhi Police officials have confirmed that the situation is currently under control.
Tragedy struck during the Muharram procession in Didauli, Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, as two individuals were electrocuted and several others sustained injuries when a 'Tazia' made contact with a high tension line, according to police sources, reported UNI.
The incident occurred in Patei Khalsa village while observing Toum-e-Ashura on the 10th day of the Muharram month. The unfortunate mishap caused the Tazia to catch fire, leading to an explosion.
The injured were promptly taken to different hospitals for medical attention. District Magistrate Rajesh Tyagi suggested that a magnetic field might have played a role, but a detailed inquiry report will be needed to ascertain the exact cause.
In a separate incident, five people were injured during a Youm-e-Ashura procession in the Civil Lines area of the Rampur district, UP. The incident occurred in Raipur when a scuffle broke out between two parties participating in the procession, UNI stated.
Amidst the altercation, someone opened fire, resulting in the injuries of Naeem, Furkaan, Imran, Islam, and Babu. The injured were rushed to the district hospital, and a heavy police force has been deployed at the scene.
The conflict was reportedly rooted in an old rivalry between village head Zakir, his brother Naeem, and their opponent.
MP Danish Ali visited the site of the Tazia incident in Amroha and extended condolences while directing authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the victims.
According to India Today, Varanasi's Doshipura area witnessed clashes between the Shia and Sunni communities, causing injuries and damage to vehicles.
It said in Jharkhand, four men were electrocuted, while 13 others were injured while carrying out a Muharram procession in Bokaro on Saturday.