Meerut News: In a communal clash in Meerut district’s Tatina village, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday night, twelve people, including a pregnant woman, sustained injuries. The violence erupted following an altercation between two individuals, leading to widespread chaos and protests. 


According to police, the conflict began around 10 pm when Sirajuddin Qureshi, 28, from Hapur district, who has been residing with his in-laws in Tatina for the past three months, engaged in a dispute with Wahid Ahmed, 30, a local resident, The Indian Express reported. The argument escalated as Qureshi, who was reportedly inebriated, clashed with Ahmed over an unspecified issue.


During the altercation, Dr Sitaram, 62, a local physician returning from his clinic, attempted to intervene but was attacked by both Qureshi and Ahmed. The situation deteriorated quickly, prompting local residents to protect the doctor. Simultaneously, about a dozen members of Qureshi’s family arrived at the scene, intensifying the conflict, IE's report stated.


The clash soon involved both Hindu and Muslim communities, with participants throwing bricks and using sharp weapons. Among those injured was Sonam, 26, who is pregnant and had reportedly come to the scene to protect her husband, Harish, 34.


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Meerut Communal Clash: Hindu Organisations Stage Dharna To Demand Immediate Arrest Of Perpetrators


The unrest prompted Dr Sitaram’s grandson, Vipul, to alert leaders of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. In response, 30 to 40 members of these Hindu organisations arrived at the location and staged a dharna (sit-in protest) at the Lohia Nagar police station, demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, as per the report.


Sanjay Pandey, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Lohia Nagar police station, stated, “We have arrested Qureshi and are conducting raids to apprehend other suspects. Forces from three police stations—Lohia Nagar, Brahmpuri, and Lisadi Gate—have been deployed to manage the situation. The injured have been admitted to the district hospital, and additional police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel have been stationed in Tatina village as a precautionary measure”, as quoted by Indian Express.