Tension gripped Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district after BJP Yuva Morcha functionary Vinod Kumar Kashyap was allegedly beaten to death during a violent clash in Bairagiwala village of Sahaspur area. The incident triggered large-scale protests, arson, bulldozer action and suspension of internet services in Vikasnagar to prevent further unrest.
Police said Vinod Kumar Kashyap, 48, who was associated with the BJP OBC Morcha and local right-wing groups, died after being attacked with hammers and sticks during a clash linked to an irrigation water dispute.
According to officials, the violence began on Saturday evening when an argument broke out between Kashyap’s family and neighbouring residents over water being taken from a public tubewell for irrigation purposes.
Mob Allegedly Stormed House With Weapons
Police said the dispute escalated after an argument between Kashyap’s younger brother Ashok Kumar and the family of the main accused, Imtiaz. Soon after the initial fight in the fields, a large group allegedly reached Kashyap’s house armed with sticks, hammers and sharp weapons.
Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobal said, “Imtiaz, along with other accused and unidentified persons, reached the victim’s house and assaulted family members. Vinod Kumar Kashyap sustained fatal injuries after being hit on the head with a hammer.”
Ashok Kumar, in his complaint to police, alleged that the accused first diverted irrigation water and later attacked the family when they objected.
“Imtiaz, his relatives and neighbours entered our house and attacked us with weapons. My brother was killed in the assault,” Ashok alleged in the FIR.
Vinod’s brother Rajesh Kumar and another family member, Sushma, were also seriously injured and are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Herbertpur.
Right-Wing Groups Protest, Houses Set on Fire
Following Kashyap’s death, protests erupted in the area on Sunday. Members of Bajrang Dal and other right-wing organisations gathered in Bairagiwala village raising slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” and demanding strict action against the accused.
Angry protesters allegedly vandalised and set fire to the houses of accused persons identified as Imtiaz and Razzaq. Videos from the area showed smoke rising from damaged properties while crowds gathered on roads demanding arrests.
As tensions escalated, the administration deployed heavy police force and PAC personnel in the village.
Police later demolished the alleged illegal house and shop structures linked to some accused persons using bulldozers amid tight security arrangements.
Internet Suspended, Four Arrested
Authorities suspended internet services in Vikasnagar and nearby areas to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content on social media.
Police said four accused — Razzaq, Javed, Shahbaz and Salman — have been arrested so far, while several others are absconding. Teams have been formed to trace the remaining accused, some of whom are suspected to have fled to neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
A separate case has also been registered against people involved in retaliatory violence, arson and vandalism.
Chief Minister Dhami Condemns Killing
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condemned the killing and said strict action would be taken against all those involved.
“We will not tolerate anyone disturbing law and order in Uttarakhand. The accused in the murder case will not be spared,” Dhami said.
He also described the incident as an attempt to disturb social harmony in the state.
Police Appeal for Peace
Dehradun SP Crime Jitendra Chaudhary appealed to the public not to spread rumours online and assured that action was being taken against all accused.
“Separate police teams have been formed and efforts are underway to arrest all those involved,” he said.
Police said security deployment would continue in the area until the situation fully returns to normal.
