What Happened in Chomu? Six Cops Injured in Violence and Social Media Shutdown
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Violence erupted over mosque railings in Chomu.
- Six police officers were injured during clashes.
- Authorities suspended social media services for 24 hours.
- Heavy police presence established to ensure safety.
- Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Jaipur, Dec 26 (NationPress) Tension surged in Chomu town, located in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan, after a disagreement regarding the placement of iron railings outside a mosque spiraled into violence, resulting in injuries to six police officers. Following instances of stone-pelting and confrontations with law enforcement, authorities mandated a 24-hour suspension of WhatsApp and social media platforms in Chomu to avert the dissemination of false information and uphold public order.
Officials reported that the altercation occurred near the central bus station in Chomu during the early hours of Friday.
A police contingent dispatched to the scene to restore order was reportedly assaulted by rioters, who hurled stones, injuring several officers. The injured personnel were taken to a local medical facility, where their conditions are stated to be stable. In a bid to regain control, police employed a lathi-charge and deployed tear gas. The entire region has been transformed into a high-security area, with a substantial police presence.
According to senior officials, the situation is presently under control, albeit with lingering tension. An extensive police force from various stations, including Jaipur Police Line, Harmada, Daulatpura, Murlipura, and Vishwakarma, has been positioned in Chomu.
The bus station vicinity has effectively been established as a police encampment. Teams from the Special Task Force, riot control units, and additional personnel have been dispatched to the area to prevent further unrest.
The unrest originated from a traffic management initiative conducted on Wednesday. Stones that had been present for years in front of the mosque at the Chomu bus station were removed with the approval of the local Muslim community.
This removal process continued until Thursday night, during which traffic was redirected from significant routes such as Thana Mod and Morija Tiraha. Subsequently, some individuals installed iron girders and railings at the same site, igniting new tensions. Negotiations between law enforcement and community leaders persisted into the night. Despite reaching an agreement to maintain the current state, police later dismantled the girders and railings, reportedly inciting anger among some locals and resulting in stone-pelting incidents.
In light of the escalating situation, Divisional Commissioner Poonam, acting on the advice of the Police Commissioner, mandated the suspension of social media, WhatsApp, and bulk messaging services in Chomu for a 24-hour period, commencing at 7 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday, to mitigate the transmission of misinformation.
Senior officials, including Additional Police Commissioner Dr Rajiv Pachar, DCP West Hanuman Prasad, and Additional DCP Rajesh Gupta, have arrived in Chomu to urge residents to maintain peace. Police have indicated that investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to identify those involved in the violence for appropriate legal measures.