Judicial inquiry demanded into anti-Muslim violence in Haryana village, BSF troops deployed

After at least 20 houses were burnt in a communal clash in Atali village, 200 affected Muslims have been staying in Ballabgarh police station

Following Monday's communal violence in Atali village in Haryana -- in which 20 Muslim homes were burnt, leaving 200 persons homeless -- Janhastakshep, a voluntary organisation, has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and demanded action against the culprits.

The affected persons have been staying at the Ballabgarh police station since the incident. They have refused to return despite Border Security Force troops being posted in the village to prevent further violence. 

The violence erupted reportedly over the issue of construction of a mosque in the village. 

A Janhastakshep team that visited the village said tension in the village had been building since May 20, two days after the Haryana Chief Minister's visit to inaugurate a power station, when an incident of stone pelting among two communities was reported. Members of Minority Commission also visited the village Thursday and met officials from the police and administration.

After discussions with the aggrieved people, the Minority Commission members have conveyed certain conditions demanded by the affected villagers. 

These include filing of separate cases against the accused and their immediate arrests. They also demanded the removal of the Station House Officer who was on duty at the time of the violence. 

They have also asked for compensation, in a reply to which Commission member, T N Shanu, said the Centre has already announced a compensation of Rs 1.50 crore for the families.

They also demanded said the mosque should be constructed on the disputed site.

Shanu also said the team will submit a detailed report on the incident to the chairman of the Commission.

DCP Bhupinder Singh said no arrests have been made in the case and that prohibitory orders are in still in place.