A land dispute in Lalwala village under Deoband police station limits in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district turned violent on Saturday, leaving several people injured and triggering tension in the area.
According to members of the Bahujan community, the dispute concerned nearly two bighas of land that they claimed had been forcibly occupied earlier. They alleged that fresh construction work was underway on the land, prompting local Dalit-Bahujan residents to protest.
During the protest, reports of firing and violent attacks allegedly emerged from the side accused of occupying the land. Several people were reportedly injured in the incident.
Local media reports described the matter as an old land dispute linked to tensions between Thakur and Dalit communities, reportedly involving disagreement over the installation of a Maharana Pratap statue.
Allegations of Police Lathicharge
The situation reportedly worsened after police arrived at the spot. Members of the victim’s side accused the police of using force against protesters.
According to locals, police carried out a lathicharge in which women, children and elderly people were also injured. Several people were reportedly seriously hurt during the police action.
Following the violence, heavy police deployment was made in the village to maintain law and order, while tension continued in the area.
The administration has said that police forces were deployed to prevent further clashes and maintain peace.
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