Muzaffarnagar: A violent confrontation erupted in Sarafa Bazar on September 27, igniting communal tensions as members of the Jain community were attacked by Muslim traders over a long-standing shop dispute. The altercation involved physical assaults and abusive language, resulting in multiple injuries and sparking outrage within local communities, leading to heightened police presence and demands for justice.
The clash occurred around 4 PM when a court commission arrived to inspect a disputed property located in the bustling Katra Mochiyan area of Sarafa Bazar. This property dispute has been a source of ongoing tension between the two communities for nearly two years, with legal proceedings still pending in court. Local sources indicated that prior arguments had escalated to violence, fostering an atmosphere of animosity.
On the day of the incident, as the court-appointed commission was surveying the site, an argument reignited between the two parties. Eyewitness accounts revealed that Mohd Rashid, along with his brothers Wajid and Asif from the Muslim community, instigated the violence against Ayush Jain and other members of the Jain community. Witnesses described chaotic scenes where belts were wielded as weapons, and kicks and punches were exchanged.
“It’s a shameful incident that reflects poorly on our community,” said one onlooker who wished to remain anonymous. “It all started over a shop, but it escalated into something far worse.”
The heart of the conflict lies in a property dispute regarding a shop in the Katra Mochiyan area. Ayush Jain, a local businessman, claims that Rashid and his associates have been attempting to unlawfully occupy the roof of his shop and the space behind it, leading to frequent confrontations. “This has been an ongoing issue for the last two years. We’ve tried to resolve it peacefully, but every attempt has ended in argument and hostility,” Ayush explained.
Tensions reached a boiling point when the court commission visited to assess the situation, resulting in an altercation that left one young man severely injured, suffering a serious head injury. Others involved sustained various injuries from the brawl, necessitating urgent medical attention.
Following the violent outburst, local authorities were summoned to the scene. The police arrived promptly, attempting to diffuse the situation and restore order. They conducted medical examinations for the injured parties and arrested the accused later that night. A total of three individuals—Mohd Rashid, Wajid, and Asif—were taken into custody based on Ayush Jain’s complaint.
Circle Officer (CO) City, Vyom Bindal, confirmed the police’s actions, stating, “Around 4 PM, a fight broke out over a shop dispute in front of the court commission. The police acted swiftly on the basis of the complaint received and arrested the individuals involved. The injured were taken to the district hospital for medical care. We have deployed additional police forces in the area to ensure safety and prevent further disturbances.”
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