Rudrapur, India — Tensions surged in Khatima, located in the Udham Singh Nagar district, following the death of a 24-year-old man who was fatally attacked with a knife late Friday night. The incident ignited violent protests at the local bus station, compelling police to take action to restore calm.
The victim, identified as Tushar Sharma, succumbed to his injuries after being assaulted by a group of more than a dozen individuals at around 9:30 PM. Tushar, a resident of the Ashram Paddhati area, was reportedly attacked while in the company of two friends, both of whom also sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical care.
As news of Tushar’s death broke Saturday morning, a large gathering of individuals associated with various Hindu organizations formed at the bus station to express their outrage. Protesters disrupted normal activities in the area, including forcibly closing shops believed to be owned by non-Hindus. During the unrest, several businesses were vandalized, and a tea stall alleged to belong to the father of one of the accused was set ablaze.
In response to the escalating chaos, senior police officials arrived on the scene and initiated a lathicharge to disperse the unruly crowd. Firefighters were deployed to manage the resulting flames, and a heavy police presence remains to deter any further outbreaks of violence. The local administration has placed the area under section 163 of the BNSS to maintain order.
Authorities are actively pursuing those responsible for the attack, with two suspects already detained. The police are examining CCTV footage to locate additional accomplices who have yet to be apprehended. Khatima circle officer Vimal Rawat confirmed that the police are taking strict measures against anyone attempting to disturb the peace.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was in Khatima on the day of the incident, has urged law enforcement to act swiftly in capturing the culprits. Tushar, who had been married for about a year and a half, worked for a local transportation company. According to police, the motive behind the attack is believed to stem from long-standing rivalry between two groups rather than communal tensions.
Community leaders are urging calm as investigations continue, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of unrest. The situation remains under close observation as law enforcement works to bring those responsible to justice.