AGRA: At least 11 police personnel were injured and six motorcycles were set on fire when violence erupted in Bhimpur village, Aligarh, as police attempted to remove a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar that had been illegally installed on govt land, police said on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, Residents pelted stones, vandalised vehicles, and set fire to scooters. Fire tenders were called, and heavy police forces were deployed to control the situation.
Rorawar SHO Sushil Kumar said that 11 injured officers were hospitalised, with one in critical condition. “Two cases under BNS section 191-2 (rioting) have been registered against dozens of named individuals and 200 unidentified persons for stone-pelting, vandalism, arson, rioting, and obstructing govt work. The village head’s husband, Nirdesh Lodhi, former village head Chhatrapal, and local resident Dharmendra Kumar have been arrested. Raids are underway to apprehend others,” Kumar said.
Aligarh SSP Sanjeev Suman said, “Locals were warned two days ago not to install the statue, but they placed it overnight. When police arrived to remove it, they were attacked, and several officers were injured.” For two days, police had been stationed in the village, and discussions were held at various levels. “On Tuesday, a delegation met with the district magistrate and the police. The legal provisions are clear — no construction is allowed on govt land,” Suman said.
During talks, some residents alleged that another group, the Baghel faction, was constructing a temple on the same land. “On inspection, we found that only the boundary wall had been built. We ordered its removal and reiterated that neither a temple nor a statue could be installed. All parties had agreed to this, but locals still installed the statue. The statue has now been removed and the situation is under control.”
The village head and former village head, accused of instigating the violence, have been detained. “This appears politically motivated due to the upcoming village elections. Further action will be taken after investigation,” Suman added.
Rorawar SHO Sushil Kumar said that 11 injured officers were hospitalised, with one in critical condition. “Two cases under BNS section 191-2 (rioting) have been registered against dozens of named individuals and 200 unidentified persons for stone-pelting, vandalism, arson, rioting, and obstructing govt work. The village head’s husband, Nirdesh Lodhi, former village head Chhatrapal, and local resident Dharmendra Kumar have been arrested. Raids are underway to apprehend others,” Kumar said.
Aligarh SSP Sanjeev Suman said, “Locals were warned two days ago not to install the statue, but they placed it overnight. When police arrived to remove it, they were attacked, and several officers were injured.” For two days, police had been stationed in the village, and discussions were held at various levels. “On Tuesday, a delegation met with the district magistrate and the police. The legal provisions are clear — no construction is allowed on govt land,” Suman said.
During talks, some residents alleged that another group, the Baghel faction, was constructing a temple on the same land. “On inspection, we found that only the boundary wall had been built. We ordered its removal and reiterated that neither a temple nor a statue could be installed. All parties had agreed to this, but locals still installed the statue. The statue has now been removed and the situation is under control.”
The village head and former village head, accused of instigating the violence, have been detained. “This appears politically motivated due to the upcoming village elections. Further action will be taken after investigation,” Suman added.
