India: Authorities Arrest Four over alleged encroachment on ‘Karbala’ land in UP’s Pratapgarh

India: Authorities Arrest Four over alleged encroachment on ‘Karbala’ land in UP’s Pratapgarh
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Indian Police have arrested four people for allegedly attempting to forcibly encroach upon ‘Karbala’ land in the Ranjitpur Chilbila area of Pratapgarh district, Maktoob Media reported.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning near the Chilbila Flyover along the Ayodhya–Prayagraj highway, when a group allegedly led by Vijay Maurya arrived at the disputed site with two JCB machines and began levelling the land, triggering protests by local residents.

Members of the Karbala Committee, including women, rushed to the spot to oppose the move. Protesters alleged that they were assaulted, intimidated, and subjected to misconduct against women during the confrontation, further escalating tensions in the area.

Based on a complaint filed by Haider Ali, president of the Muharram Committee, a case was registered against the accused under sections related to assault, rioting, hurting religious sentiments, creating communal tension, and outraging the modesty of women, officials said.

Later that evening, police arrested Vijay Maurya, Vishal Maurya, Anoop Shrivastava, and Ankit Jaiswal.

According to Hindustan Times, the land dispute stems from a long-standing legal case between local resident Ramshiromani Pandey and members of the Karbala Committee over the burial of Tazia near Baracha village, an issue that has sparked tensions on multiple occasions in the past and required administrative intervention.

District administration officials said the situation remains sensitive but under control, with strict vigilance in place to prevent further escalation.