By TCN News,
A minor incident sparked off violent rioting in Mathura district on Friday. Curfew has been clamped in the region due to violence which officially claimed life of a Muslim youth besides injuring three dozen others.
As per reports, the incident occurred in Kosikalan, a town nearly 40 kms away from Mathura district headquarters. The violence started over a petty dispute of a water stall. A Muslim boy had gone to drink water from a water stall put up by Hindus. During the process some water spilled over to another youth standing nearby from other religion. Soon the war of words turned violence and the Muslim boy was beaten black and blue.
Later the news reached the Muslims who were returning from Friday prayers. During the protest some anti social elements took advantage and started vandalism and damaging properties. As per estimates two four-wheelers and nearly three dozen two-wheelers were torched. Attempts were also made to torch a petrol pump. A local Punjab National Bank was also set afire.
Kosikalan had a small Muslim population and it is surrounded by several villages which have only Hindu population. Mobs rushed from these villages and the Muslims were surrounded from all sides and bore the brunt. Nearly three dozen persons have been injured and one death has been reported.
Meanwhile administration has clamped curfew in Kosikalan region and IG Zone Javed Ahmed reached the scene. Though the situation is under control still the Muslims are living in a tension and fear of their lives.
The issue is likely to have its repercussions in the upcoming assembly bypoll in Manth constituency in Mathura district on June 7. SP is contesting vigorously but is likely to lose Muslim votes due to the incident.