The internet suspension in Nuh comes hours after a local court extended by two days the police remand of Congress MLA Mamman Khan, who has been arrested in connection with the July 31 communal violence in the Haryana district.
Haryana government on Sunday again ordered the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Haryana’s Nuh district till Tuesday midnight. An order issued by the state government stated that there is apprehension of causing tension, annoyance, agitation, damage to public and private property and disturbance of peace in the area.
This comes hours after a local court extended by two days the police remand of Congress MLA Mamman Khan, who has been arrested in connection with the July 31 communal violence in Nuh. Police had, on Friday, secured a two-day remand of Khan after he was produced before a court in the district. During his remand, police took custody of Khan's mobile phone and laptop and reviewed his social media accounts for evidence.
According to the government’s order, the internet ban will help curb misinformation and rumours through social media platforms and SMS services and prevent the facilitation and mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators “who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism” and other violence activities.
An MLA from Ferozepur Jhirka, Khan was named as an accused in a separate FIR lodged on August 1 after the communal clashes in Nuh. He was arrested late Thursday night from Rajasthan and booked under charges including promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Nuh Superintendent of Police (SP) Narendra Bijarniya said that the clashes in Haryana happened in three or four places in the district. During the investigation into the violence around the Barkali Chowk in Nagina, some accused were interrogated and "the MLA's name came to the fore".
The SP added, "In the acts of vandalism and arson that took place at Nagina's Barkali Chowk, he is accused of provoking people and inciting violence." He reiterated that from the details that had emerged so far, Khan’s involvement was there.
In Barkali Chowk violence, several people were injured and government vehicles, including police cars, were vandalised. An oil mill was also set on fire, the SP said.
A procession led by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was attacked by mobs in Nuh on July 31. Six people were killed, most of them during the attack. A cleric was killed in an attack on a mosque in adjoining Gurugram. Multiple FIRs were lodged after the violence. Khan was issued a notice under CrPC section 160 (requiring his presence before police) in connection with the August 1 FIR.
The Gurugram police said it will bring cow vigilante Monu Manesar to Gurugram on a production warrant from Rajasthan in connection with the case registered against him at Pataudi police station. He is booked under IPC sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 147 (rioting).
Monu Manesar – whose real name is Mohit Yadav – is booked by the Rajasthan Police for the killing of Nasir (25) and Junaid (35) and also accused of inciting the recent violence in Haryana's Nuh. Haryana Police detained him last Tuesday and handed him over to the Rajasthan Police after it obtained a transit remand from a court in Nuh. He is currently serving a judicial custody for 15 days.