Khatima (Uttarakhand), 14 December (H.S.): Severe tension gripped Khatima town in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district after a man was stabbed to death during a violent clash between two groups on Friday night, police officials said on Sunday. The incident triggered protests and arson in the area, compelling security forces to intervene to restore order.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manikant Mishra, the altercation began when an argument between two groups spiraled out of control, leading to the fatal stabbing of Tushar Sharma. Two others accompanying him suffered serious injuries in the attack. Based on eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage, police identified Hashim and his accomplices as the prime suspects.

Acting on credible intelligence, a police team surrounded Hashim near a brick kiln in the Jhanjhat area and ordered him to surrender. However, the suspect allegedly opened fire, prompting police to retaliate. He was shot in the leg before being overpowered and arrested.

Officers recovered an illegal .315 bore pistol and two live cartridges from his possession.Police said the injured accused was initially treated at Nanakmatta Hospital and later moved to Rudrapur District Hospital for further care. His criminal background is being verified, and efforts are underway to trace his associates involved in the crime.

In the aftermath of the murder, members of the Bajrang Dal took to the streets on Saturday, setting ablaze a shop belonging to the accused and forcing shops and markets in Khatima to shut down. Police had to resort to baton charge to disperse the mob and prevent further escalation.Authorities have tightened security across the region, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar