Uttar Pradesh Police arrested four people over an alleged attempt to encroach upon Karbala land in the RanjitpurChilbila area of Pratapgarh district. The incident took place near the Chilbila Flyover along the Ayodhya Prayagraj highway and led to tension among local residents.
As per the complaint, a group led by Vijay Maurya arrived at the disputed site with two JCB machines and began levelling the land. Local residents noticed the activity and raised objections. Members of the Karbala Committee, including women, reached the spot to stop the work. Their intervention triggered a confrontation at the site.
Protesters alleged physical assault, intimidation, and misconduct toward women during the clash. The allegations intensified anger in the area and prompted police action. Haider Ali, president of Muharram Committee, filed a formal complaint with the authorities.
Police registered a case under sections related to assault, rioting, hurting religious sentiments, creating communal tension, and outraging the modesty of women. Later in the evening, police arrested Vijay Maurya, Vishal Maurya, Anoop Shrivastava, and Ankit Jaiswal.
Officials said the dispute over the land has a long history. It involves a legal case between local resident Ramshiromani Pandey and Karbala Committee members regarding the burial of Tazia near Baracha village. Earlier too, the issue had drawn administrative intervention to prevent unrest.