Clashes erupt between two communities in India's Jodhpur, dozens arrested

Violent clashes erupted Friday night in Rajasthan's Jodhpur between two religious communities, forcing the authorities on Saturday to arrest at least 51 people.

Officials familiar with the matter said as mentioned by local reports that the clashes broke out in the Soor Sagar area over an illegal construction on a disputed land.

According to Jodhpur West DCP Rajesh Kumar Yadav,the clashes took place over the construction of a gate in the backside of an eidgah near Rajaram Circle in the Soor Sagar area.

The locals in the area had opposed the gate so that there was no movement of people at the backside of the Eidgah. However, the tensions escalated and some people pelted stones.

"The dispute has been going on for the last few days…The incident took place at around 10:15pm (on Friday) when a group of 10 to 15 locals pelted stones at another group from the Eidgah," Jodhpur police commissioner Rajendra Singh said.

He further said that as the tension escalated, the mob set a local shop ablaze and vandalised two cars, including a police van.

Two policemen were injured in stone-pelting.

"A shop and a tractor were set on fire, and a jeep was vandalised. Police dispersed people to their homes by using batons and fired 4-5 rounds of tear gas shells," a senior police officer said.

Authorities said that the situation was brought under control by late Friday night, but the area remained tense. Heavy police and Rajasthan Armed Constabulary forces continue to be deployed on Saturday morning to maintain law and order.

Police Commissioner Rajendra Singh said two FIRs were filed based on complaints from both sides.

(With inputs from agencies)