Tension gripped parts of Dehradun after a Bajrang Dal leader was allegedly killed in a violent clash between Hindu and Muslim groups in Uttarakhand’s Vikasnagar area. The incident, which took place in Bairagiwala village under the Sahaspur police station limits, triggered unrest, with reports of arson, stone-pelting, and protests emerging from the area.
Police said four people have been arrested so far in connection with the case, while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend others involved in the violence.
The deceased has been identified as Vinod, who local Hindu groups described as a Bajrang Dal worker. His brother Rajesh and three other family members reportedly sustained serious injuries in the attack and are currently undergoing treatment.
Dispute Over Money and Irrigation Water Led to Clash
According to family members and eyewitnesses, the violence stemmed from an ongoing dispute involving money and irrigation water.
Vinod was reportedly irrigating his field on Saturday evening when a group of around 15 to 20 people allegedly arrived and attacked him with hammers, shovels and sharp weapons. Family members claimed the dispute began over ₹14,000 related to centering work and later escalated into an argument over water from a tube well.
Witnesses alleged that Vinod tried to run towards his house to save himself, but the mob chased and surrounded him. His relatives and neighbours who attempted to intervene were also attacked.Severely injured, Vinod was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
CCTV Video Sparks Outrage
A purported CCTV video of the incident has surfaced online, reportedly showing a group assaulting the victim near his home. The footage has intensified anger in the village, with large crowds gathering after news of the killing spread.
Reports suggest that some houses belonging to the accused were set on fire, while incidents of stone-pelting targeting passersby were also reported. Angry villagers staged protests and demanded immediate arrests and bulldozer action against the accused.
The victim’s family initially refused to allow the body to be moved, demanding justice.
Murder Case Registered Against Several Accused
Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s family, police registered a case against 12 named individuals — including Razzaq, Imtiyaz, Aman, Yunus, Shahbaz, Sharafat Ali, Masoom, Adil, Shamoon, Salman, Javed and Intezaar — along with 30 to 35 unidentified persons.
Charges including murder, attempt to murder, rioting and other relevant sections have been invoked.
Dehradun Rural SP Pankaj Gairola said police reached the spot immediately after receiving information about the clash.
“Four injured people were shifted for treatment, but one person died during treatment. Heavy police deployment has been made in the area to maintain law and order, and search operations are underway to arrest the remaining accused,” he said.
Hindu Organisations Demand Strict Action
Local MLA Munna Singh Chauhan visited the village and warned police officials against negligence in the case. He said if previous complaints against criminal elements had been ignored, action would also be taken against responsible officers.
Thakur Kripal Singh Negi, state vice-president of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, demanded immediate arrests and warned of protests if action was delayed.“If the accused are not arrested soon, the organisation will launch an agitation to ensure justice for the victim’s family,” he said.
Heavy Security Deployed
Following the violence, authorities deployed personnel from multiple police stations along with PAC forces in the village to prevent further unrest. Police have also intensified monitoring of social media to stop the spread of rumours or inflammatory content.Officials have appealed to residents to maintain peace as investigations continue.
