Police cracks whip in Saharanpur, arrest 17

A day after a 35-year-old man was killed and 16 others critically injured in clashes between members of Thakur and Dalit communities in Shabbirpur village of Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, police cracked the whip and arrested 17 persons involved in the incident. The police and district administration are also conducting a peace meeting in the area.

Saharanpur district magistrate NP Singh told DNA that clash took place following a dispute over a procession in memory of Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap. The miscreants also torched at least 25 houses during the clashes.

"Situation is now under control. Ten persons from Thakur community and seven from Dalit community have been arrested. Police have launched a manhunt to nab other culprits," Singh said.

Police said four FIRs have been lodged against Dalits in Shabbirpur on different charges, including murder and attempt to murder, on the basis of complaints lodged by Thakurs. Shabbirpur village pradhan Shiv Kumar and his brothers are among the accused. No complaint has been received so far from members of the Dalit community in the village.

"There is confusion that clash took place between two villages. It happened only in Shabbirpur village," Singh added.

Police said that the two communities have been feuding over installation of an Ambedkar statue in the village for the last three months.