According to police, the trouble began with an alleged assault on a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) pracharak and his associate. Both sustained injuries in the incident and were admitted to a hospital for treatment. News of the assault spread rapidly, triggering anger among members of Hindu organisations and local residents.
As tensions mounted, protesters gathered in large numbers and surrounded the Tarana police station, demanding immediate arrests and strict action against those responsible. The protest caused traffic disruptions and prompted shopkeepers to down shutters as a precaution, bringing commercial activity in parts of the town to a halt.
Amid the unrest, miscreants damaged 11 buses parked at different locations in Tarana. Windows were smashed and body panels damaged, resulting in losses to transport operators. Police said the vandalism appeared to be retaliatory and opportunistic, taking advantage of the tense situation.
Senior police officials rushed to the spot and called in additional forces from nearby police stations to reinforce local units. Barricades were erected at sensitive points, and foot patrols were intensified to deter further incidents. Authorities also initiated flag marches in affected localities to reassure residents and restore normalcy.
A senior police officer said that preliminary inquiries suggest the clash stemmed from a local dispute that spiralled after the initial assault. “We are verifying the sequence of events and identifying those involved in the violence and vandalism. Separate cases are being registered based on complaints and evidence,” the officer said, adding that CCTV footage from the area is being examined to identify suspects.
Police maintained that law and order has been restored and that no fresh incidents were reported overnight. However, security remains tight, with continued deployment of forces and surveillance in the town to prevent any flare-up.
District authorities appealed for calm and urged residents not to spread rumours. “Strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for disturbing peace. People should cooperate with the administration,” an official said.
The incident has once again highlighted the volatility of communal and group tensions in small towns and the need for swift intervention to prevent disputes from escalating into wider violence. Authorities said further preventive measures, including peace committee meetings, would be undertaken in Tarana in the coming days.
