India saw 84% rise in communal riots in 2024; Maharashtra, UP, Bihar among worst affected: Report
New Delhi: India witnessed a sharp increase in communal riots in 2024, with 59 incidents reported, an 84 percent rise from the 32 riots in 2023, according to a new report by the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism.
The report, titled Hegemony and Demolitions: The Tale of Communal Riots in India in 2024, highlighted that Maharashtra recorded the highest number of communal riots, with 12 out of the total 59 incidents. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar followed closely with seven riots each. The riots resulted in 13 deaths, of which 10 were Muslims and three Hindus.
Authored by human rights activists Irfan Engineer, Neha Dabhade, and Mithila Raut, the findings are based on reports from the Mumbai editions of five newspapers: The Hindu, The Times of India, The Indian Express, Shahafat, and The Inquilab.
The report, as cited by Scroll, noted that the surge in the number of communal riots in India last year can partly be attributed to the general elections that were held in April/ May.
It also pointed out that a significant portion of the communal riots, 26 out of 59, occurred during religious festivals or processions. Four of these riots coincided with the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in January 2024. Seven riots occurred during Saraswati Puja idol immersions, four during Ganesh festivals, and two during Bakri Eid.
“This data highlights how religious celebrations are increasingly being used to fuel communal tensions and political mobilisation,” the report mentioned.
Additionally, six riots were related to contested places of worship, with Hindutva groups claiming that mosques and dargahs were illegal or constructed after demolishing Hindu religious sites.
The authors also pointed out a troubling trend of the government disproportionately targeting the Muslim community in cases of communal riots in recent years. “These actions include using bulldozers to demolish properties owned by Muslims, causing significant economic damage. Additionally, the state has slapped cases and implicated the members of the Muslim community, even in instances where they are victims of violence during communal riots,” they said.
The authors further noted that while the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Crime Records Bureau maintain comprehensive records of communal riots in India, both agencies have stopped publishing the data regularly.
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
