By Agnibeena Ghosh,
In the aftermath of the communal riots that rocked Nuh and Gurugram in Haryana, Special Investigation Teams (SITs) will be deployed to probe 44 cases of violence, the state police announced. The toll from the clashes rose to six as Bajrang Dal functionary Pradeep Sharma (32) succumbed to injuries at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. With 116 arrests made so far, the Director General of Police, P.K. Agrawal, asserted that if there was any conspiracy behind the unrest, it would be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible would not be spared.
The Haryana administration decided to extend the internet ban in Nuh, which witnessed communal violence on Monday. Alongside Nuh, the districts of Palwal, Sohna, Pataudi, and Manesar will also experience the internet ban until August 5, as mentioned in a government circular issued on Thursday.
The order read, “In order to maintain peace and public order, mobile internet services in the jurisdictions of Nuh, Faridabad, and Palwal districts & in the territorial jurisdiction of Sohna, Pataudi, and Manesar sub-divisions of Gurugram district will remain suspended till August 5.”
The suspension of mobile internet services aims to curb the spread of misinformation and rumours through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, etc., which could potentially fuel agitation and violent activities. The ban is aimed at preventing the facilitation and mobilization of agitators and demonstrators, ultimately safeguarding public and private properties and avoiding loss of life.
The clashes erupted in Nuh on Monday afternoon when a religious procession passing through the district came under attack, resulting in the deaths of two home guards and injuries to dozens of people, including approximately 20 policemen. The situation quickly escalated into a frenzy of violence. As of now, 139 individuals have been arrested in connection to the violence, and 45 FIRs have been filed.
The formation of Special Investigation Teams aims to bring clarity and accountability to the incidents of communal violence in Nuh and Gurugram. These teams will delve into the 44 cases registered in the wake of the riots and conduct thorough investigations to identify the culprits and ensure justice is served.
The death of Pradeep Sharma, a Bajrang Dal functionary, has added to the gravity of the situation, and it has intensified the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the underlying causes of the clashes. The state authorities are committed to uncovering any potential conspiracies behind the unrest and holding the guilty parties accountable.
To maintain peace and prevent any further escalation of violence, the internet ban has been extended in the affected districts. By limiting access to social media platforms, the authorities aim to curb the spread of false information and curb the possibility of instigating more unrest.
The communal violence in Nuh and Gurugram has deeply affected the communities and raised concerns about public safety and security. The police are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to maintain law and order and ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated.
As the investigations proceed and the SITs delve into the cases, it is hoped that clarity will emerge regarding the root causes of the violence and the factors that contributed to its escalation. The Haryana administration is resolute in its commitment to upholding peace and harmony in the region.
While the situation remains tense, the authorities are focused on ensuring that the internet ban helps prevent any further spread of violence or misinformation. The measure is aimed at curbing any attempts to instigate unrest through digital platforms.
The deployment of Special Investigation Teams and the extension of the internet ban are crucial steps taken by the Haryana administration to address the communal clashes and restore peace in the affected areas. As the investigations progress, it is hoped that those responsible for the violence will be brought to justice, and measures will be taken to prevent any future occurrences of such unrest.
