Curfew imposed, internet suspended in Rajasthan villages

Jaipur: After the clash between villagers- who demanded action against suspected cow slaughters- and police, a curfew was imposed along with suspending internet services in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh, IANS reported.

Sources informed that the villagers alleged cow slaughter on Eid and performed a sit-in since July 21 demanding criminal action against the accused. The situation turned sour after the protesters were driven out of the sit-in site on Tuesday.

Police detained 40 people after stone pelting and lathi-charge, both injuring cops as well as agitators. According to police, the villagers staged a march on Wednesday afternoon. Since Section 144 was imposed in the region, police were forced to unleash lathi-charge for violating 144.

Police employed tear gas shells to control the situation, and later, a curfew was imposed in the two villages of Gandhibari and Chidiyagandhi, along with suspending internet, and it will continue until further orders.

Bhirani SHO Omprakash Suthar was injured on his head during the stone pelting and lathi-charge. District collector Nathmal Didel reached the location, and additional forces were called from several nearby police stations and police lines and deployed in the area.

On previous occasions, internet services were suspended in different parts of the desert state after communal tension erupted in Karauli, Jodhpur, Bhilwara, and Chittorgarh, as well as after the recent beheading of Kanhaiyalal.