Violence – Deadly Clash During Religious Procession Shakes Roorkee Village
Violence – Tension and fear spread across parts of Roorkee in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar district on Sunday evening after a violent confrontation between two rival groups during a religious procession resulted in the deaths of two men and left three others seriously injured.
The violence erupted in Binarasi village under the Bhagwanpur area while a community feast was underway as part of the Ravidas Shobhayatra. What was meant to be a peaceful religious gathering quickly descended into chaos, prompting authorities to deploy a heavy police presence to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.
Clash Triggered by Long-Running Rivalry
According to preliminary information shared by the police, the altercation began around 5 pm and was rooted in an ongoing rivalry between the two groups, reportedly linked to issues of social standing within the community. Witnesses said a verbal dispute broke out during the event and soon escalated into physical violence.
As tensions flared, the confrontation turned deadly. Firearms were allegedly used amid the scuffle, adding to the severity of the incident and creating panic among residents and attendees at the procession.
Two Lives Lost, Three Injured
Anand, a 28-year-old resident of Binarasi village, was fatally shot in the chest and died at the scene. Hours later, police discovered the body of Mangeram, who belonged to the opposing group, in a nearby agricultural field. Early findings suggest that he was beaten to death during the unrest.
In addition to the fatalities, three men identified as Vikas, Gagan, and Yogendra sustained pellet injuries. They were rushed to the Civil Hospital in Roorkee, where they remain under medical supervision. Hospital sources confirmed that their condition is serious but stable.
Protests and Road Blockade After Incident
Following the killings, emotions ran high in the village. Family members of the victims, supported by local residents, staged a protest by placing Anand’s body on the road and blocking traffic. The demonstrators refused to allow post-mortem examinations until arrests were made in connection with the violence.
Senior police officers arrived at the scene and engaged in extended discussions with the protesters. After assurances of a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible, the families agreed to allow the bodies to be sent for autopsy later in the evening.
Heavy Police Deployment to Maintain Order
To prevent further clashes, police forces from multiple stations, including Jhabrera, Roorkee, and Kaliyar, were deployed across the area. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Shekhar Chandra Suyal stated that security arrangements have been significantly reinforced.
A strong police presence remains in Binarasi village and nearby localities, with officers conducting patrols and monitoring sensitive zones. Authorities have emphasized that maintaining peace and preventing retaliatory violence is their top priority.
Vandalism and Arson Attempt Reported
In the aftermath of the clash, several incidents of vandalism were reported. Angry individuals allegedly damaged at least ten two-wheelers belonging to members of the rival group. There was also an attempt to set fire to a pile of fodder, raising concerns about potential arson.
Local residents intervened in time, preventing the fire from spreading and causing further damage. No injuries were reported from these incidents, but police are examining CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to identify those involved.
Investigation Ongoing, Area on High Alert
The district’s local intelligence unit has been activated, and law enforcement agencies are closely tracking developments on the ground. While no official arrests had been announced at the time of reporting, police confirmed that several suspects are under questioning.
Officials have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb public order. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the village slowly returns to a tense calm.