Rajasthan: Curfew in violence-hit Karauli extended till April 7

Jaipur: The district administration of Rajasthan's Karauli on Monday extended the ongoing curfew by three more days till April 7. In an order, Karauli District Magistrate Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the curfew has been extended as the situation was still not normal.

The district administration also made arrangements for class 10 and 12 examinations, allowing students to reach their exam centres after showing their admit cards, officials said, two days after communal clashes in the town.

"As the present circumstances are not normal for the law and order situation. In such a situation, curfew is extended till April 7 at midnight," an order issued by Karauli District Collector Rajendra Shekhawat said.

However, two hours of relaxation will be given to allow people to make essential purchases, and any further relaxation will be provided considering the law and order situation, officials said.

ASP Kishore Butolia said that 13 arrested people were presented before a court from where they were sent to two-day police remand.

"Relaxation in curfew was given for two hours on Monday for purchase of essential items. Central and Rajasthan government offices and courts remained open and employees could reach their offices after showing ID cards," Mr Shekhawat said.

No untoward incident has been reported, but mobile internet services remain suspended in Karauli, he said.

According to officials, violence erupted after stones were hurdled at a motorcycle rally, being held to mark Nav Samvatsar — the first day of the new year under the Hindu calendar—when it was passing through a Muslim-dominated area. In the clashes that followed, vehicles and shops were set on fire, officials said.

The rally was taken out by right-wing organisations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bajrang Dal, police said.

Around 35 people were injured in the violence, they said.

Police arrested 46 people and took seven others in custody for interrogation after the communal violence, Inspector General of Police Prashan Kumar Khamesra of Bharatpur range said.

The case has been registered against 13 accused and 33 others were arrested for violating the curfew order, he said, adding that 21 vehicles have also been seized.

The situation is being closely monitored by police patrolling teams, he said, adding it is under control but the curfew has been continued as a precautionary measure.