Nuh communal violence: Bajrang Dal activist arrested after dramatic chase for role in unrest
Nuh communal violence: Bittu Bajrangi, a member of the Bajrang Dal and a self-proclaimed cow vigilante from Haryana, has been apprehended in connection with the communal violence that erupted last month in Nuh, Gurugram, and other regions of the state. Accusations point to provocative remarks made by him and fellow Bajrang Dal activist Monu Manesar as the catalysts for the unrest.
Bittu Bajrangi, who faces charges in multiple cases, was captured close to his Faridabad residence approximately 20 days following the outbreak of violence. Surveillance footage depicted plainclothes police officers, armed with both sticks and firearms, eventually cornering and apprehending him after an extended pursuit. The charges against him encompass rioting, violence, intimidation, hindrance of government duties, obstruction of a government official's duties, and causing harm with a deadly weapon.
A spokesperson from the Faridabad police revealed that efforts are underway to identify Bittu Bajrangi's associates from available videos, with intentions to arrest them as well. The spokesperson underlined a stern stance against those obstructing police operations, cautioning that social media activities are under surveillance. Stringent action will also be taken against individuals disseminating provocative or misleading information.
Operating as a fruit and vegetable trader at the Gazipur market and Dabua market in Faridabad, Bittu Bajrangi, also known as Raj Kumar, has helmed a cow vigilante group for the past three years. In just the past month, he has been implicated in three cases involving incitement of religious sentiments. Following the Nuh violence, a case was registered against the chief of the Goraksha Bajrang Force in Faridabad.
Chaudhary Aftab, the MLA from Nuh, recounted the origins of the violence during a procession organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. He stated, "People were already angered by the statements of Monu Manesar and Bittu Bajrangi, and rumors spread that Monu had arrived in Manesar... and so the violence began."
The 18-hour long communal clash last month resulted in five fatalities and left at least 70 individuals wounded. The unrest quickly spread from Nuh to Gurugram and extended up to Badshahpur, covering a distance of 40 km.
During the turmoil, a mosque was set ablaze post-midnight, over a hundred vehicles were vandalized and torched as mobs unleashed chaos. The casualties included two security personnel and two civilians, among them a mosque cleric.
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- With inputs from agencies
