Tension over graveyard wall construction in Pilibhit village

Tension erupted between Hindus and Muslims in Beni Chaudhry area of Pilibhit on Friday night, following a dispute over construction of a graveyard’s boundary wall.

Police have detained six people and deployed a police picket on the spot. Over 12 people from sides were involved in sporadic skirmishes on Friday night and in the wee hours.

They pelted one another with stones and also used sticks. Four people were injured in the clashes.

Reportedly, the Muslims were building a boundary wall around the graveyard but Hindus as well as a section of Muslim residents opposed this.

While those building the wall claimed that the construction had begun only after taking due permission, the rival group refuted the claim.

According to police sources, the trouble started with a dispute between people from two sections of Muslim community.

The section which was opposing the construction of the graveyard wall was later supported by Hindus community which escalated the tension .

A police team was sent to the village on Friday night and additional force was sent later to assist them.

The police detained over 12 people and managed to control the situation. Most of those arrested were released on Saturday.

Commenting on the incident, superintendent of police (SP), Pilibhit ,Devranjan Verma said, “The situation in the area is under control and our teams are keeping a watch. We are also in touch with local leaders and have asked them to ensure peace .”

The construction of the boundary wall has been stopped by the administration following the incident.

TWO KILLED AFTER TRUCK RAMS INTO BIKE

Two youths were killed after their motorcycle was hit by a truck, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place late on Friday night, when Seetu Sharma and Viraj, both aged 18, were travelling on the BareillyBadaun road.

Following the accident, locals called the police, which then took the youths to a hospital, where they were declared dead.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, police said, and added that the hunt for the truck driver is on.