6 injured in firing between rival groups during religious camp in Mathura; 9 held

Agra: Nine people were arrested in Mathura district after a violent clash between two rival groups over organising refreshment stalls for pilgrims along ‘parikrama’ route left six injured.Following the clash, the SSP shunted SHO of Highway police station Shailendra Kumar to police lines and suspended sub-inspector Sandeep Kumar and constable Adarsh Kumar for “negligence”.The clash broke out Thursday due to an old rivalry which was temporarily resolved around six months ago. One of the groups belonged to accused Rajveer Singh alias Guddi and the other to Chandrapal Singh of Maholi village. Around 11am, Rajveer’s associates arrived to distribute fruits to devotees, and a fresh argument broke out, escalating into violent clashes. There was stone-pelting and firing when Chandrapal’s side set up a drinking water stall along the ‘parikrama’ route.Senior police officers, including SSP Shlok Kumar, rushed to the village along with heavy police deployment to bring the situation under control. The injured were shifted to the district hospital.SSP Kumar said the accused involved in the firing were being identified through CCTV footage and videos. An FIR was registered at Highway police station against over 50 people under BNS sections 109 (attempt to murder), 191 (rioting) and Arms Act. Nine people, including Rajveer, were arrested. Police said two country-made .315 bore pistols, seven empty cartridges, eight live cartridges and three wooden sticks were found.SSP Kumar said, “Nine people are being questioned, and a case has been registered by the police. Strict action will be ensured against all the accused.”