Holi Celebrations in India Marred by Violence and Clashes
Incidents of violence during Holi in Ludhiana and Uttar Pradesh leave dozens injured and lead to multiple arrests.
- In Ludhiana's Bihari Colony, a clash near a mosque during Holi celebrations resulted in 11 injuries and 8 arrests, with stone pelting and property damage reported.
- Police emphasized the Ludhiana clash was not communal, attributing it to miscreants, and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify additional suspects.
- In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, tensions escalated when upper-caste individuals allegedly tried to forcibly apply Holi colors on Dalit residents, leading to stone pelting and 10 injuries.
- Other incidents in Uttar Pradesh included a shooting in Farrukhabad, a fire destroying huts in Sant Kabir Nagar, and an assault on a police officer in Kaushambi, all linked to Holi disputes.
- Authorities in both regions have heightened security and initiated investigations, with several arrests made and cases registered under relevant laws.