Police Lathi-Charge Injures Eight in Badaun Procession Route Dispute
Tension flared up in Byor Kasimabad village of Badaun's Islamnagar area on Friday. Police resorted to a lathi-charge on devotees participating in a Prabhat Pheri procession during the holy Magh month. The incident left more than eight people injured. Women and children were among those hurt in the clash.
Three-Day Dispute Over Procession Route
A dispute over the procession route had been simmering for three days before the violent confrontation. Villagers insisted they were following the traditional path used every year for the religious march. However, the local administration claimed the devotees attempted to take a new, unapproved route. Earlier mediation efforts by local officials failed to resolve the disagreement peacefully.
Police stopped the procession, triggering immediate protests from local residents. The protesters demanded action against the police personnel involved in the lathi-charge. The situation remained tense for hours as villagers initially refused to negotiate. They insisted on the presence of the Senior Superintendent of Police before any discussions could proceed.
Authorities Order Inquiry, Restore Normalcy
SSP Badaun, Brijesh Singh, addressed the situation directly. "An inquiry has been ordered under a senior officer," Singh stated. "Action will be taken against anyone found guilty of violence." The police intervention came after the initial confrontation escalated.
SP Rural Hridesh Katheria eventually reached the spot and intervened personally. His presence helped calm the agitated crowd. Normalcy returned to the village only after authorities allowed the procession to continue. Villagers said they were permitted to use what they described as the "traditional route" for their religious observance.
Villagers Allege Unprovoked Police Action
Local residents expressed anger and frustration over the police response. Krishna Lala, a village resident, shared his perspective on the incident. "Police ignored our explanation earlier," Lala said. "They attacked us without provocation." His statement reflects the sentiment among many villagers who felt their religious traditions were being disregarded.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between religious customs and administrative regulations in rural Uttar Pradesh. Processions during holy months often follow established routes that communities consider sacred. When authorities challenge these traditions, conflicts can erupt quickly.
Local officials now face the challenge of investigating the violence while maintaining community trust. The ordered inquiry will need to determine whether proper procedures were followed during the police intervention. Both sides await the findings that could influence future interactions between devotees and law enforcement during religious events.
