Violence broke out in Jalesar town, Etah, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday evening following a dispute over construction on a private plot of land. The clash occurred when a group of individuals, led by a man named Rafiq, opposed the construction, claiming the land was Waqf property. The plot, located near a Dargah, is reportedly owned by Anil Kumar Upadhyay and others, but the mob insisted it belonged to the Waqf board.
The group reportedly demolished a boundary wall with hammers, damaged over a dozen vehicles, and engaged in stone-pelting. Several people were injured, and property was significantly damaged in the violence.
Police responded quickly, with a large security force, including PAC personnel, deployed to restore order. Two key suspects, Rafiq and Farmaan alias Bunty, were arrested, and an FIR has been filed against 16 named individuals and around 150 unidentified suspects. The charges include rioting, criminal intimidation, and causing public disturbance. Authorities are also using viral videos to identify those involved in the stone-pelting and vandalism.
This incident follows the recent clashes in Sambhal over a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, which had already heightened tensions in the region. While the situation in Etah is under control, tension remains, and authorities are prepared to deploy additional forces if necessary.
