BHOPAL: A communal clash between Hindus & Muslims erupts in Bhopal’s Old City on Tuesday over the right to pray inside the Hamidia Hospital complex.
According to Hindustan Times, members of the Muslim community discovered minarets claimed to be that of a mosque during structure digging inside the hospital and wanted to offer prayers there.
But members of the Hindu community belonging to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) oppose it.
Since then, the tussle between the two communities has been brewing.
The clashes erupted on Tuesday evening at around 8.30pm when Muslims were preparing for their Ramadan special prayers, taraweeh and at the same time the VHP members wanted to offer prayers in a temple next to the minarets inside the hospital campus.
Despite the local administration denying permission to both groups, the VHP men had gathered at the temple for the prayers. However, the clashes broke out between the two groups.
Sporadic stone pelting continued for over 3 and a half hour. A transformer and at least four vehicles were burned down during the violence.
Police used teargas shells and lathi-charged the mobs to bring the situation under control.
Though Section 144 CrPC or curfew had not been imposed, but massive police force has been deployed in Peer Gate, Jumerati, Chowki Imambara and other old areas.
Internet services were blocked to prevent rumour mongering through social media but was restored the next morning.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in a series of tweets issued an appeal to calm people’s fear.
I urge the people of my beloved #Bhopal to maintain peace and harmony. Don't believe or spread rumours. Things are under control.
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) May 30, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgB75Du4LoA