While expressing deep concern over the quiet hill town Agastyamuni in Rudraprayag district having seen its worst communal violence over a rumour, DIG Garhwal Pushpak Jyoti said that Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) along with additional forces has been deployed there to maintain peace and communal harmony. “So far 10 people have been arrested on charge of indulging in arson and violence in connection to the fake posts on the social networking sites that sparked the communal violence. They have been sent to jail. More might be arrested in the coming days as the investigation is on,” he said while talking to the media persons in Dehradun on Saturday.
Notably, three cases have been registered following rumours spread through the social media regarding alleged molestation and sexual exploitation of a minor by persons from another community at the sleepy hill town in Rudraprayag district. Following the spread of the rumours, the people had erupted in anger and set some shops owned by the minority community people ablaze on Friday. It is further learnt that rumour of 10- year old girl being gang- raped by persons of another community had been circulated on the social networking sites on April 6. Rudraprayag SP in-charge Tripti Bhatt had said on Friday that the names of persons mentioned were fictitious and the motive was to foment communal tension. She had also appealed to the people to help police restore peace and harmony in the town.
DIG Garhwal further said that the situation is now well under control. “However, we are keeping vigil on the situation round the clock. While I am appealing to the people not to get swayed by rumours and maintain peace and harmony I am warning those out to foment trouble of severe action if they do anything that might breach the communal harmony,” he said.
Meanwhile, the people living in the town said that they have never seen violence of such magnitude for years they have been living here. “This is unprecedented. Police must come down heavily on those who incited such violence through rumour –mongering. Things should not repeat here,” said an anguished trader based in the hill town.