Key Points:
- Clash occurred in Chomu, Jaipur district, around 3:30 AM on December 26
- Dispute over stone removal and boundary wall construction near mosque
- Six police officers injured during stone-pelting incident
- Police used lathi charge and tear gas to disperse crowd
- Internet services suspended for 24 hours as precautionary measure
- Heavy police deployment maintains calm in the area
Chomu, Jaipur District: A predawn dispute over boundary construction near a mosque in Chomu tehsil escalated into violence Friday morning, leaving approximately six police officers injured and prompting authorities to suspend internet services across the area. The incident, which occurred around 3:30 AM near the Chomu bus stand, began when police intervened to halt the erection of a railing and boundary wall that locals had started building in a previously cleared area.
Administrative Agreement and Triggering Event
The confrontation stemmed from an earlier agreement between mosque authorities and local administration to remove stones placed along the roadside. The stones had been positioned in the area for unspecified purposes but were deemed to obstruct public movement. After their peaceful removal, some individuals associated with the mosque began constructing a permanent boundary wall and railing at the same spot during the early morning hours. Police responded to the scene upon receiving reports of unauthorized construction on public land, leading to immediate protests from the gathering crowd.
Escalation and Police Response
The situation deteriorated rapidly as protesters began hurling stones at the police contingent. The stone-pelting intensified despite warnings, injuring about half a dozen officers who had arrived to enforce the administrative order. Faced with a growing and aggressive crowd, police first attempted a lathi charge to disperse the gathering. When this proved insufficient, officers fired multiple tear gas shells, which eventually forced the rioters to retreat and restored order in the area by approximately 4:30 AM.
Current Security Measures and Area Status
Following the unrest, Chomu has been transformed into a heavily fortified zone with police maintaining strict vigil at every intersection. Senior officers have established a command post near the bus stand to monitor the situation continuously. As a precautionary measure, authorities suspended internet services for 24 hours to prevent the spread of rumors and inflammatory content on social media platforms. The suspension aims to curb misinformation that could trigger further violence in the communally sensitive region.
Official Statements and Legal Action
Chomu Police Station Officer Pradeep Sharma clarified that police only removed stones lying on the road that were causing obstruction. He issued a stern warning that strict legal action would be taken against anyone spreading rumors or misinformation about the incident on social media. Law enforcement agencies are currently analyzing video footage from surveillance cameras and mobile phones to identify individuals who attempted to disrupt peace and obstruct government work. Several people have already been taken into custody for questioning, though exact numbers remain undisclosed pending investigation.
Injured Personnel and Medical Treatment
All six injured police personnel have been admitted to a government hospital in Jaipur, where they are receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the stone-pelting. Medical officials report that most injuries are non-life-threatening, consisting primarily of bruises, cuts, and minor fractures. The injured officers include constables and head constables who were part of the initial response team. Senior police officials have visited the hospital to assess their condition and commend their service in maintaining law and order.
Community Leaders Appeal for Peace
Local community leaders from both sides have appealed for calm and restraint. Representatives from the mosque committee have distanced themselves from the violent elements, stating that the construction activity was undertaken without proper authorization from the managing committee. They have promised full cooperation with the police investigation and urged residents to maintain peace. Meanwhile, civil society organizations in Jaipur have called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident to ensure accountability.
Broader Context of Communal Tensions
Chomu, located approximately 35 kilometers from Jaipur city, has experienced occasional communal friction in recent years, particularly around religious sites and public spaces. The area’s mixed population and proximity to the state capital make it sensitive to incidents that could escalate into larger communal confrontations. Friday’s violence occurred on a significant religious day, adding to the potential for heightened tensions. Authorities remain particularly vigilant during such periods.
Investigation and Next Steps
A special investigation team has been formed under the supervision of a Deputy Superintendent of Police to probe the incident thoroughly. The team is examining the sequence of events, the role of various individuals, and whether the construction activity violated any land use regulations. Police are also investigating how the situation escalated so quickly and whether there was any premeditated plan to confront law enforcement. The administration has scheduled a meeting with community representatives to discuss long-term solutions for preventing similar incidents.
