Uttarakhand: Section 163 Imposed In Khatima After Clashes Over 23-Year-Old’s Death

Tension gripped Khatima town in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar district after clashes erupted following the death of a 23-year-old man, prompting the police to impose Section 163 on Saturday to maintain law and order.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Friday night after an altercation broke out between two groups, during which one man was stabbed to death and two others sustained serious injuries. The deceased has been identified as Tushar Sharma. The injured individuals were rushed to a hospital, where their condition remains critical.

Sharma's death triggered unrest in Khatima, and on Saturday morning some people, including a few members of the Bajrang Dal, allegedly set several shops on fire. Police said the shops belonged to those who were allegedly involved in Sharma's killing.

Reacting to the incident, Bajrang Dal district convenor Himanshu demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the 23-year-old's death. He warned that the organisation would launch a protest if the police failed to take swift and appropriate action in the case.

The Uttarakhand Police said an investigation is underway and assured that the accused will be arrested soon. Authorities have appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid rumours. To prevent further escalation, additional police personnel have been deployed across the town.

The situation in Khatima remains tense but under control, police said, as efforts continue to restore normalcy.