Violence breaks out in Jodhpur over construction near Eidgah

NEW DELHI: Communal violence broke out in Jodhpur's Soor Sagar area on late Friday night, leaving two policemen injured, a shop set ablaze and two vehicles damaged following a dispute over gate construction near an Eidgah.
The police intervened, using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd but tensions remain high as authorities continue to maintain order and apprehend suspects.
The confrontation began over the construction of a gate at the backside of an Eidgah near Rajaram Circle. Locals opposed the gate to prevent movement in the area.
"Tension escalated last night and some people pelted stones, injuring two policemen," said Jodhpur West DCP Rajesh Kumar Yadav.
"A shop and a tractor were set on fire, and a jeep was vandalised," a senior police officer added.
Police responded with baton charges and fired 4-5 rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the violent crowd. Despite efforts to restore peace, the situation remained tense, leading to the deployment of heavy police and Rajasthan Armed Constabulary forces on Saturday morning.
The situation was brought under control but tensions persisted in the area.
Police commissioner Rajendra Singh confirmed that two FIRs have been filed based on complaints from both parties involved in the conflict.
Police took individuals from both sides into custody and continued raiding houses in the locality to detain suspects.
The violence erupted as construction of the wall at the back of the Eidgah began on Friday evening, opposed by locals, which descended into stone-pelting, arson and vandalism.
When police arrived and used batons to disperse the crowd, some individuals set fire to a tractor parked by the roadside and damaged a vehicle.
During the police's attempt to control the situation, they faced a barrage of stones that temporarily halted their advance.
A brief peace attempt, mediated by senior members from both communities was disrupted by sudden stone-pelting, turning the situation tense again.
Authorities continue to maintain a strong presence in the area to ensure law and order with ongoing efforts to arrest those involved in the violence.