Ghaziabad: Communal tensions escalated in Uttar Pradesh's Khoda area after members of the Hindutva organisation Hindu Raksha Dal gathered outside mosques and disrupted Friday prayers, deepening an already volatile situation following the killing of a Hindu teenager.
The mobilisation took place under heavy police presence as activists assembled near mosques during Jumu'ah prayers and raised anti-Muslim and provocative slogans, such as "Goli maaro saalon ko (Shoot the bastards)." The action was widely viewed as an attempt to intensify communal polarisation in an area already on edge.
The protest also drew support from Hindu Mahasabha leader Riya Kinnar, who joined demonstrators and publicly backed efforts to prevent congregational prayers at local mosques. The incident further heightened concerns about religious freedom and public order in the locality.
The developments came days after another right-wing figure, Joshi, president of Kali Sena Uttarakhand, made inflammatory remarks targeting Muslims. He reportedly threatened further actions against mosques and suggested that Muslims would be intimidated from offering prayers in the future, drawing criticism for his openly communal rhetoric.
Tensions in Khoda have remained high since the killing of 17-year-old Surya Pratap Chauhan during a dispute that reportedly followed Bakrid celebrations. Police later killed the main accused, identified as Asad, in an encounter, while local authorities demolished his house using a bulldozer. Notices were also issued to three madrasas in the area.
Critics argue that what began as a conflict involving individuals has been transformed into a broader communal confrontation by far-right organisations. The disruption of prayers is being viewed as part of that continuing escalation.
Although police have appealed for calm and urged residents to maintain peace, right-wing groups have continued demonstrations and pressure tactics targeting mosques under heavy security deployment. The atmosphere in the area remains tense, with fears that further provocations could aggravate the situation and deepen communal divisions.