On December 8, a violent incident occurred in Tirpadi village, under the Nakud police station area in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, during a Panchayat gathering. The meeting had been called to resolve a dispute arising from a derogatory social media post about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
An FIR has been registered against five identified individuals and approximately five others who remain unidentified. So far, three people have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to reports, the conflict began after a Muslim individual posted offensive remarks about the Hindu Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on social media. A local Hindu man confronted the poster, leading to a heated argument. In an effort to settle the matter peacefully, a Panchayat was convened.
During the Panchayat, several individuals allegedly arrived armed with sticks, sharp weapons, and guns and attacked members of the Hindu side. Multiple people were injured, including Satish Kumar and Narendra, who sustained serious injuries from gunfire. Both were initially admitted to the Community Health Centre before being referred to the District Hospital. Satish Kumar told the media that the gunman aimed at his chest, but he managed to push the weapon away, sustaining injuries to his hand.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sagar Jain confirmed the incident and stated that three police teams have been formed to apprehend the remaining accused and carry out the investigation.
On December 9, CO Nakur Ruchi Gupta stated that police action had been taken following a complaint filed by Mohkam, son of Pahalsingh. A case has been registered against Orish, son of Anees; Anees, son of Zinda; Zeeshan, son of Akram; Rahis, son of Zinda; Akram, son of Zinda; and several unidentified individuals. So far, Orish, Anees, and Rahis have been arrested, and illegal weapons used in the incident have been recovered from their possession. Police are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining accused.
In response to heightened communal tensions in the village, additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain peace. On December 9, MLA Mukesh Chaudhary, BJP leader and former MLA Mahipal Singh Majra, along with members of a Hindu organisation, visited Tirpadi village and met the families of the victims. They assured the villagers that appropriate legal action would be taken against those responsible.
