Communal tensions flared in Dehradun's Bairagiwala village following the murder of Bajrang Dal leader Vinod Kumar during a dispute between two communities. The incident occurred late Saturday night, reportedly over irrigation and financial matters. The situation escalated on Sunday as angry locals set fire to two houses belonging to the accused and pelted stones at police officers who arrived at the scene. Three police personnel, including SP City, sustained injuries during the unrest.
To control the situation, authorities deployed heavy police forces and PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) in the area. Internet services were temporarily suspended for three hours. The administration also used a bulldozer to demolish the boundary wall of the main accused's house, though villagers demanded the complete demolition of the structure. A case has been registered against 12 named individuals and 30-35 unidentified persons, with four arrests confirmed so far.
The dispute reportedly began over ₹14,000 in financial transactions and irrigation rights. On Saturday evening, 15-20 individuals armed with hammers and spades forcibly entered Vinod Kumar's house and fields, attacking him and his family. Vinod succumbed to head injuries caused by repeated hammer blows, while three family members sustained serious injuries and are hospitalized.
Local MLA Munna Singh Chauhan visited the site and hospital, issuing an ultimatum to police for swift action against the accused. He criticized law enforcement for alleged negligence in addressing prior complaints against the accused. Communal tensions remain high, with authorities conducting flag marches to maintain order.
Key Points
- Bajrang Dal leader Vinod Kumar was murdered in Bairagiwala village during a dispute over irrigation and finances.
- Angry locals protested, setting fire to houses and pelting stones at police, injuring three officers including SP City.
- Heavy police forces and PAC were deployed; internet services were suspended temporarily.
- Four arrests have been made; a bulldozer was used to demolish the accused's boundary wall.
- MLA Munna Singh Chauhan criticized police for alleged inaction on prior complaints against the accused.