On June 21st, a severe outbreak of violence shook the city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The unrest began after a group of Hindus protested against what they claimed were attempts by Islamists to open a gate at an Eidgah, which is located directly opposite a Hanuman Mandir. The protest escalated quickly, leading to significant chaos.

During this turmoil, groups identified as Islamists reportedly orchestrated attacks, targeting several shops and vehicles, leaving them severely damaged. The conflict reached a peak in the Sursagar area, where intense stone pelting resulted in injuries to numerous locals and police officers. In response to the escalating violence, police forces intervened to disperse the aggressive crowds. However, the mob quickly regrouped, resuming their stone-throwing with renewed vigor.

Subsequent investigations by the Jodhpur Police have suggested that the attack was not spontaneous but a planned act of violence. In a strategic operation conducted on the following Sunday, police officers carried out extensive searches across the affected neighborhood. Their efforts led to the startling recovery of two full trolleys of stones strategically hidden on the rooftops of five houses, hinting at the premeditated nature of the conflict.

In the wake of these discoveries, the police took legal action, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against 65 individuals believed to be involved in the violence. To date, authorities have successfully apprehended 51 of the accused, taking significant steps towards restoring order and accountability in the community.

Following the arrests related to the Jodhpur violence, tension continued to escalate as several women gathered outside the police station to protest. These demonstrators claimed that those apprehended were innocent and had not participated in the stone pelting incidents that marred the city.

In response to the ongoing unrest, the local police have increased surveillance measures in the areas most affected by the violence. The use of drone cameras has been implemented to monitor any further disturbances from a vantage point, ensuring a broader coverage and quicker response to any flare-ups. Additionally, a significant legal measure has been taken to curb the violence: Section 144, prohibiting the assembly of four or more individuals, has been imposed across five critical police station jurisdictions including Pratap Nagar, Pratap Nagar Sadar, Devnagar, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, and Soorsagar. This decision came directly from the DCP of West Jodhpur after the events of stone pelting intensified, indicating the severity of the situation.

ADCP West, Nishant Bhardwaj, highlighted the serious consequences of the recent conflicts, revealing that two police officers sustained injuries due to the intense stone pelting on the night of June 21st. Moreover, a particularly distressing casualty occurred when a woman tragically lost her eyesight after being struck by a stone during the disturbances. In the aftermath, police conducted thorough searches within the community, which led to the discovery of two trolleys loaded with stones hidden in residential areas, suggesting a level of premeditation to the violence.

Background of the Incident in Jodhpur

The roots of the violent clashes in Jodhpur trace back to a deep-seated dispute between the Hindu and Muslim communities over the construction of a gate at the Eidgah near Rajaram Circle in the Sursagar area. The Hindu community has opposed this construction due to its proximity to the Hanuman Temple, a site of significant religious importance to them. This is not a new contention; the same issue sparked controversy about 15 years ago, leading to the cessation of the construction project at that time due to rising tensions.

The conflict reignited on the evening of June 21st when one group, disregarding the previous agreement that had put the project on hold, resumed the construction of the gate. This action quickly came to the attention of the local Hindu community, prompting them to assemble and stage protests against what they perceived as a breach of the agreement. In response to the escalating situation, leaders from both communities came together in an attempt to resolve the issue amicably. They reached a consensus that the construction of the gate would cease.

Despite this agreement, the situation remained volatile. Radicals within the Muslim community expressed their determination to proceed with opening the gate, stating they would do so "at any cost." This unwavering stance added fuel to the already charged atmosphere, leading to the eruptions of violence that would soon follow. The insistence by some to continue with the gate's construction, despite the agreement and the obvious risks of further conflict, highlights the complexities and deep-rooted nature of communal tensions in the area.

The escalating arguments between the two communities in Jodhpur culminated in violent clashes that persisted late into the night. The disturbances were marked by stone pelting that continued unabated for over two hours. The violence was not limited to throwing stones; it also saw the destruction of property. During this chaos, one shop was set ablaze along with a tractor, and a jeep was also significantly damaged.

Amidst the violence, a distressing incident occurred involving a Hindu woman named Lajwanti Gehlot. As she ventured outside to retrieve her grandson from the midst of the clashes, she was struck by a stone. The impact caused severe damage to her eye. She was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Upon examination, doctors delivered the grave news to Lajwanti that she had lost vision in her injured eye due to the severity of the trauma.

In response to the outbreak of violence, local authorities have been actively involved in monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation. They are taking substantial measures to ensure that the law and order are maintained in the affected areas.