A pre-dawn anti-encroachment operation near a mosque in Rajasthan's Chomu town descended into violence early Friday, resulting in injuries to six police personnel and the subsequent detention of seventy individuals. The incident has sparked tensions and drawn attention to the ongoing drive against illegal constructions in the state.
Pre-Dawn Operation Sparks Violence
The confrontation occurred around 3 am on Friday, 26 December 2025, in the area near the bus stand in Chomu, which is located approximately 40 kilometres from Jaipur. A police team had arrived at the location to execute a planned drive to remove alleged illegal encroachments in the vicinity of the mosque.
According to officials, the situation turned hostile when a group of people, reportedly opposing the drive, began pelting stones at the police force. The six injured policemen sustained wounds during the stone-pelting assault by the mob. The police team, faced with the sudden attack, had to act to bring the situation under control.
Mass Detentions Follow Clash
In the aftermath of the violence, law enforcement authorities swiftly moved to detain those allegedly involved in the attack. A total of 70 people were detained for questioning in connection with the incident. The police action aims to identify the main perpetrators and prevent any further escalation of communal or law-and-order tensions in the area.
The injured police personnel were provided immediate medical attention. Their conditions are reported to be stable, but the incident highlights the risks faced by officials during such sensitive operations. The area around the mosque and bus stand remained under a heightened security blanket throughout the day as authorities investigated the sequence of events.
Ongoing Drives and Community Sentiment
This clash brings into sharp focus the challenges surrounding anti-encroachment drives, especially when they involve religious sites. The Rajasthan government has been actively conducting these drives across the state to reclaim public land. However, such operations often require careful handling and dialogue with local communities to avoid confrontations.
The incident in Chomu is likely to prompt a review of the protocols for conducting such drives in sensitive locations. Local administration officials are expected to engage with community leaders to address concerns and ensure that the rule of law is maintained without compromising public peace. The police have reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against anyone involved in violence against public servants.
