A rally by right-wing groups demanding the demolition of a mosque in northern India’s Uttarakhand, turned violent leaving more than 30 people, including five police personnel, injured.

The incident took place near the Kashi Vishwanath temple in UttarKashi district on October 24.

Visuals showed the protest on the road was initially calm, but chaos erupted suddenly when stones began to rain down on the crowd. The once-organized rally turned into panic as people scrambled for cover, dodging the flying debris. The sound of shouting filled the air, mixed with the loud clattering of stones hitting the ground. Some protesters picked up shields to protect themselves, while others rushed to escape the danger. Police officers, who were stationed nearby, quickly moved into action, trying to control the situation amidst the confusion. The scene was tense, with dust swirling in the air and a sense of fear gripping everyone present.

According to reports over 30 people, including five police officers, were injured when a rally organized by the Sanyukt Sanatan Dharma Rakshak Dal turned chaotic. The rally, labeled the Jan Akrosh Rally, was joined by members of the Bajrang Dal, Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan, and local traders.

The protesters accused the mosque, located near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, of being built illegally on government land. As the rally passed through the main market, protesters attempted to breach police barricades on Bhatwadi Road, leading to clashes. Stones were thrown at the police, who responded with a lathi-charge to control the situation.

Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Amit Srivastava confirmed the injuries and stated that an FIR would soon be filed regarding the incident. He emphasized that the rally had received prior permission, and the police had mapped out a route considering the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. Despite the planned arrangements, the situation spiraled out of control.

Bharti, leader of the Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan, reported that around 30 protesters were injured in the police response, with one demonstrator critically wounded.

The Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan, a group known for its hardline stance, was previously involved in controversy last year when it called for Muslims to leave the nearby town of Purola. That incident had prompted the Uttarakhand High Court to instruct the State government to ensure communal peace.