Communal Tension in Haryana: Imam Killed After Mob Sets Mosque Ablaze
Communal Tension in Haryana: Imam Killed After Mob Sets Mosque Ablaze
A mosque in Gurgaon was set on fire and the naib imam killed, allegedly by a mob of 70-80 people, in the early hours of Tuesday, police said.
“Today morning, at around 12:10 AM, some people attacked Anjuman Jama Masjid, Sector 57 in Gurugram, killing one person and injuring another. They started arson, and the fire was brought under control by fire tenders [sic],” the Gurugram Police said in a statement.
The deceased person has been identified as the Naib Imam or deputy Imam of the mosque. He was a native of Bihar. Muslims who frequent the mosque said that he was in his late teens or early 20s. He was officiating as the Imam of the mosque as the main Imam had gone to his native place for Bakrid and was yet to return.
One injured person is critical and is being treated at the W Pratiksha Hospital in Gurugram.
Police commissioner Kala Ramachandran said, “One person was killed and another injured when a group of men attacked Anjuman mosque in sector 57 in the area of PS Sec 56 GGM today morning at about 12:10 am. Fire tenders put out the fire. The attackers have been identified by the police and following raids conducted throughout the night, several of the attackers have been rounded up. Security around places of worship has been tightened. Police and administration is holding meetings with prominent members of both communities to ensure peace.”
The violence came hours after clashes in Nuh during a procession by the VHP and Bajrang Dal, which left three people, including two home guards, dead. Curfew was imposed in the district on Tuesday said Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij. The situation in Nuh continued to be tense even as there were no reports of any fresh violence. Security has been beefed up in Nuh and other areas, news agency PTI reported.
(With Inputs From Agencies)