On Thursday, Rohru market in Shimla woke up to communal tension after people discovered a severed cattle head leading to violent protests by Hindu groups against the Muslim community.
Reportedly, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening, when few people found cow carcass in an under-construction building in Rohru market. Following this, people belonging to various Hindu organisations assembled near the market to protest and in the event damaged a few shops belonging to Muslims. The situation turned tense after more than 5000 people had assembled at the market to protest against beheading of the cattle allegedly done by people belonging to the Muslim community.
A large police force was rushed to the spot immediately after mob vandalised properties belonging to few Muslims. The police resorted to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control. The area was completely shut down as Rohru market was gripped with severe tensions following the incident.
Shimla Deputy Superintendent of Police Pramod Shukla speaking to the media said that the situation is tense but it is under control. The local police had sought the help of Shimla police and a battalion of police had been deployed at the spot. A forensics team would determine whether the severed head was that of a calf as alleged, police said.
The police have registered an FIR against more than 20 people under IPC sections related to attempts to outrage religious feelings and promote enmity between different groups. The police will also lodge a case against the protesters who had allegedly vandalised the shops.
To bring the situation under control the police officials held discussions with members of the two communities. ASP Manmohan Sharma urged the people to maintain peace. “We have increased patrolling in the area to maintain peace. The situation is under control,” he said.