A group of seven to eight people hacked a 36-year-old man to death over a long-standing rivalry at Tamatiya in Rajasthan’s Banswara on Sunday, leading to a clash between the two groups, who pelted stones at each other and set at least 23 houses on fire.
Deputy Inspector of Police Mahendra Kumar said that 36-year-old Govind Chajan belongs to the Mahida tribal community. He added that his attackers were from the Katara community. “Chagan’s sister had an affair with a man. Chagan and his family did not agree to it. They married her off to another man a year ago. Since then, a rivalry between the two families began. At least three cases of quarrel and property damage were filed against the two families last year.”
Chagan was attacked with an ax when he and some members of Katara’s family were returning to their home after appearing in court in connection with a case. “He was beaten repeatedly until he died. Later, the attackers fled the scene and are still on the run.”
The police immediately moved to the scene, called a forensic team to examine the area, sent the body to the mortuary, and began the investigation.
Tensions rose when Mahidas began gathering and attacking villagers belonging to the Katara community. “At around 10 pm, at least 400 to 500 Mahidas gathered in the village. Another police team was immediately sent to the village, but they were blocked. When the police managed to reach the spot, an angry crowd set fire to around 23 houses as well as some two-wheelers. The two groups also started pelting stones at each other,” said Ramesh Chandra Patidar, a local police officer.
Patidar said the police used force to disperse the mob. He added that three fire engines were sent to put out the fire. “No one was seriously injured during the clash. Some policemen and a few local residents sustained minor injuries. They are safe now. All residents have been evacuated.”
The situation remained tense even when people from both communities organized a sit-in at the local police station. An additional police force was sent to Totemati from four nearby police stations.
Patidar said that a special team has been formed to arrest the suspects in Chagan’s murder. “The relatives of the suspects left the village on Sunday after the murder. Police are looking for them. The situation in the village is under control. Senior police officers met the villagers. Chajan’s body has also been sent for autopsy,” Patidar said.
