At least five people, including two police personnel, were killed in clashes between Hindus and Muslims in India’s Haryana state, located near New Delhi, as reported by police officials to Reuters.
The violence erupted when a Hindu religious procession was passing through the predominantly Muslim Nuh region, which is situated about 50 kilometers away from New Delhi.
According to Krishan Kumar, the spokesperson for Nuh police, the clashes occurred between two groups during the procession from one temple to another, resulting in the death of four individuals. Among the deceased were two members of the home guard, a voluntary force that assists the police in handling civil disturbances.
Additionally, 10 police personnel were injured during the confrontations.
Subsequently, the violence spilled over into the neighboring Gurugram, previously known as Gurgaon, during which a mosque was set on fire around midnight, leading to one person’s death and injuring another.
Gurugram, being a business hub housing many multinational companies, shares a border with New Delhi. Due to incidents of cars being set on fire on Monday evening, prohibitory orders had already been issued for the district, and schools and colleges were directed to remain closed on Tuesday.
The police have identified the attackers responsible for torching the mosque and have detained several of them. Security has been tightened around places of worship in the area.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, through a post on the messaging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), also condemned the incident in Nuh, where curfew orders have been imposed, and internet services have been shut off.
He assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty, and they will not be spared at any cost.
