Curfew was imposed in Cheepabad-Khirkiya town of Harda district on Thursday following arson and stone-pelting triggered by the death of an animal. Earlier, the police used canes and fired in the air to curb violence.
Police sources said an animal was hit by an Adivasi, following which it died in an agricultural field owned by a member of a particular community.Enraged over the incident, a large number of people indulged in stone-pelting and set afire nearly 10 houses and a motorcycle. Police resorted to cane-charge, fired in the air and burst teargas shells to bring the situation under control, Harda Collector Rajnish Shrivastava said.
There were no reports of injuries in the violence. Curfew was imposed in Cheepabad-Khirkiya, said Additional District Magistrate Anil Tiwari. The situation in the town is tense but under control, the Collector added. The Director General of Police, Nanden Dube, has appealed to the citizens to maintain peace and not pay heed to rumours. Dube has instructed police officials to take strict action against miscreants.
leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, Ajay Singh alleged that the BJP and RSS had triggered the riots in a well-planned manner.Worried over its weak position in the upcoming State Assembly elections, the BJP had started creating panic, especially in the rural areas, he said.