Uttar Pradesh: One Dead, Four Injured After Communal Clashes Erupt Over Holi Celebrations In Pilibhit Village

One person died and four were injured in a clash on the day of Holi in Kukri Kheda village in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district. Multiple accounts of the incident have since been reported.

Amar Ujala reported that a group of people reached a locality belonging to a different community while playing Holi with dhol which was objected by the locals. This led to a clash in which Jai Prakash was injured along with four others. The police had to baton-charge to take control of the situation.

Dainik Jagran reported that the two groups came to a communal confrontation after Jai Prakash has a dispute with Zakir of the same village over playing of Holi colours, which developed into a full-blown clash.

The Times of India reported, quoting one Guddu, that he and and his friends, Jai Prakash, Subhash, Raj Rishi, Rahul and Bittu, were going to play Holi when they were abused by Zakir Ali, Shaqir Ali, Sabir Ali and Zahida Bi.

This led to a clash in which Jai Prakash was hit on his head. The first information report has been filed against Zakir, Shaqir, Sabir, and Zahida.

Jai Prakash has since succumbed to his injuries and the other side has also approached the police with their version of the incident. Sabir Ali said in his police complaint that he was sitting outside his shop when Guddu and Subhash, who were drunk, abused him. A non-cognisable report has been registered against the two based on the complaint.

The police have since arrested Sabir Ali and his brother Shaqir Ali, while the other two accused, Zakir and Zahida, are absconding.