Communal clashes leave 5 dead on outskirts of Indian capital New Delhi

NEW DELHI, India – Clashes have broken out on the outskirts of the Indian capital, New Delhi, killing five people and leaving 70 injured. The clashes took place on Monday evening in Nuh district in Haryana state, 40 kilometers from the capital.

The violence later spread to Gurugram, a satellite town on the outskirts of the capital, where a mosque was set on fire and its imam reportedly killed.

On Tuesday, a Hindu mob torched restaurants and shops amid religious chants in Badshahpur area of Gurugram.

Eyewitnesses said a mob of around 200 had entered the area armed with sticks and stones. They vandalized several shops, including several meat shops, and set fire to a restaurant. 

Violence broke out during a religious procession on Monday in Nuh, following what many say is an objectionable video that went viral.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has promised “strict action”. 

“Today’s incident is unfortunate. I appeal to all the people to maintain peace in the state. The guilty will not be spared at any cost, and strictest action will be taken against them,” he posted in Twitter.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has termed the communal violence “deeply troubling” and appealed to the state’s people to maintain peace.

“The communal violence in Haryana’s Nuh (Mewat) is deeply troubling. After Manipur in the Northeast, now such an incident in Haryana is not a good sign,” he said.

A curfew was imposed in the towns of Nuh and nearby Sohna.

Police said they had filed charges against 11 people and arrested 27 people in connection with the violence.

At least 120 vehicles were damaged during the rioting in the district.