Communal tensions have flared up in Meerut after a violent clash erupted during a religious procession in honour of Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi. The incident, marked by stone-pelting and clashes, began over a dispute regarding the playing of DJ music in proximity to a mosque and escalated when a speaker from the procession reportedly fell on a Muslim child.
The Incident
On Friday, August 16, devotees celebrated the birthday of Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi with a grand procession organised by the Lodhi Youth Organisation. The procession commenced from the Durjan Singh Lodhi Temple located in Shivshakti Nagar and made its way through several neighbourhoods, including Indira Nagar, Brahmpuri, Lodhon Ka Pul, Ishwar Puri, Kabadi Bazaar, and Valley Bazaar. It was scheduled to reach Khair Nagar around 10 PM.
As the procession neared the Hauz Wali Mosque, tensions mounted when objections were raised by local Muslims regarding the loud music being played by the DJ. They contended that the music was disrupting those engaged in prayers. Although the situation was initially managed, reports emerged that a boy named Shad, son of Shakir from Khair Nagar was injured during the commotion.
Allegations and Escalation
Muslims alleged that a speaker from the procession’s music system fell on the boy, leading to his injury. This incident was reportedly used as a pretext for escalating the violence. Subsequently, stone-pelting ensued, targeting the procession and its participants. The Lodhi community, caught off guard by the sudden attack, responded with stone-pelting in defence.
Police Response and Measures
Upon receiving reports of the clash, SP Ayush Vikram Singh arrived at the scene with police forces from several stations. To restore order, the police imposed a shutdown on markets in Khair Nagar and Ghanta Ghar. They ensured that the procession concluded under heavy security and provided protection to the participants. In response to the heightened tensions, additional police forces have been deployed in Khair Nagar.
Political Reactions and Controversies
A BJP leader claimed that the generator powering the final vehicle of the procession malfunctioned as it approached. During the repairs, Muslims allegedly removed the generator key, leading to further confrontations. The leader accused the Muslims of assaulting the youths attempting to fix the generator, tearing their clothes, and engaging in stone-pelting.
The BJP leader has called for those responsible for the violence to be charged under the National Security Act (NSA). He pointed out that the procession has been a longstanding tradition since 2006, emphasising the need for strict legal action to prevent further disturbances.
In contrast, Praveen Lodhi, a member of the organising committee for the procession, disputed the claims that a speaker from the music system fell on the child. He asserted that the child was injured by an unrelated incident and maintained that the procession was conducted without any such mishap.
