By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: The fragile relations between two communities in Pratapgarh were again hit on Monday as a violent scuffle on a petty issue was given communal color resulting in skirmishes and attacks on members of minority community by a protesting mob. Armed Jawans of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed in the affected areas. Reports reaching Lucknow say situation is tense but under control.
According to reports, Rajesh Kewat, resident of Sanahi village in Kandhai police station area in Pratapgarh district, plies his auto taxi on Diwanganj-Aria Deeh road. On Sunday evening there was a dispute on fare between him and three residents of the same village – Altaf, Shahid and Salman. Rajesh’s father, Bheem Kewat (65) who was working in the field nearby came up. In the violent scuffle he got hit and collapsed on the spot. In no time, hundreds of people gathered at the site but police disbursed them, seized the body and sent for post mortem.
On Monday morning the body was given to the family for final rites. With ulterior motive, villagers led by local politicians took the body to Deewanganj Bazar, 3 kms from the village. They put the body there and blocked the Pratapgarh-Patti road and started protesting. There were three thousand people. They were making communal slogans. They were protesting despite the fact that the three accused were arrested Sunday night itself.
The huge mob blocked the road for three hours. They allegedly attacked a clinic and a medical store in the market area and also attacked members of the minority community who were passing by. Police acted fast and higher officers with heavy contingent reached the spot. They promised the family that they will get Rs 1.20 lakh from farmers insurance scheme of the government. Then road blockade was lifted but the situation is said to be tense and so PAC units have been deployed in the areas.
Pratapgarh had recently witnessed a communal violence following alleged rape and murder of a dalit girl by some Muslim youths. In retaliation an entire village of Muslim weavers was put on fire.