Jaipur, India – Three family members were arrested Friday following an alleged violent attack during a religious gathering on Thursday night in Jaipur’s Rajni Vihar neighborhood, authorities reported. The city’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), Amit Kumar, identified those arrested as Naseeb Singh Choudhary, 57, his wife Nirmala, 48, and their son Bishma, 21. The attack left several injured at a temple where locals were celebrating Sharad Poornima.
The violence erupted when the Choudhary family, reportedly carrying sticks and sharp weapons, stormed the temple where the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing, Hindu-nationalist organization, was holding an event. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime) Kunwar Rashtradeep confirmed that investigations are underway, noting that Naseeb’s past criminal records, including a previous murder charge, are being scrutinized.
According to police sources, opposition towards the religious gathering and an attempt to encroach on the temple grounds may have fueled the assault. Security footage and eyewitness accounts depicted Nirmala wielding a stick during the incident, supporting allegations of the family’s aggressive behavior.
The aftermath of the confrontation was distressing, with local media capturing images of the injured. Dinesh Sharma and Shankar Lal, both victims of the attack, recounted the assault from their hospital beds at SMS Hospital. Sharma revealed he was distributing sweets and singing religious hymns when the assailants attacked him, resulting in a knife wound close to his chest that required stitches. Similarly, Lal was stabbed needing multiple sutures.
The unrest caused by the attack drew a quick response from both the community and law enforcement. Immediately after the incident, locals and officers from nearby Karni Vihar police station provided assistance, detaining the accused and transporting the wounded to medical facilities. The local community was seen assisting the victims and reported damage to a vehicle owned by the Choudhary family.
The incident has caught the attention of political figures as well. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, a Cabinet Minister, made a late-night visit to the hospital, emphasizing the need for stringent legal action against the perpetrators. Additionally, Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas met with the victims, highlighting the vulnerability of the RSS members despite their political affiliations and contributions.
This violent episode underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding religious and community spaces, raising concerns about security and the rule of law in localized disputes. As the community recovers, the call for justice and a thorough investigation into the motives behind the attack resonate strongly among the affected individuals and their families.