Anti-encroachment drive outside Jaipur mosque: 4 cops hurt in stone-pelting incident; heavy police deployed

JAIPUR: Four policemen were injured early Friday in Jaipur district when a mob pelted stones at them while they tried to remove iron railings outside a mosque, police said.

The incident occurred around 3 am near the bus stand area in Chomu town, about 40 km from Jaipur.


Tensions escalated as the railings, which encroached onto the road, were being dismantled. Police resorted to tear gas shells and mild force to disperse the crowd, officials added.



"The situation is completely under control. Four policemen sustained injuries in stone pelting. Strict action will be taken against those taking law into their hands," director general of police (Law and Order) Sanjay Agarwal said.

"Two to three others have also sustained minor injuries. All senior police officers are on the spot. Additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order," said Usha Yadav, deputy superintendent of police, Chomu.

According to police, on Thursday evening, the administration held talks with members of the local community regarding stones placed on the road outside the mosque. The community had agreed to remove the stones themselves.


However, after the stones were cleared, some individuals allegedly began installing iron railings outside the mosque to demarcate a boundary, which sparked fresh objections as it encroached onto the road.

On Friday morning, as police tried to remove the railings using a JCB machine, some miscreants reportedly started pelting stones, injuring four policemen who were later admitted to a hospital.

Additional police forces were rushed to the scene from Chomu, Harmada, Vishwakarma, Daulatpura, and nearby stations to prevent further escalation.

Internet services in Chomu have been suspended for 24 hours as a precautionary measure. Police personnel have also been conducting flag marches throughout the town, while senior officials confirmed that teams have been formed to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence.

(With agency inputs)