Communal violence erupted in Nuh and Gurugram, Haryana, after a religious procession organised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). The clashes resulted in six deaths, injuries, and property damage, leaving the region in a state of unrest.

The event in Nuh turned into chaos when a mob attempted to stop the VHP procession, leading to clashes and stone-pelting between the participants and an opposing group.

Adding to the tensions were the rumors of the presence of Monu Manesar, a controversial cow vigilante who had been accused earlier this year in the deaths of two Muslim men.

Haryana Police has made 116 arrests and registered around 29 FIRs after the communal clashes in the state.

Here is a timeline of events:

July 31, 2023: Clash in Nuh

• A religious procession organized by the Bajrang Dal and VHP in Nuh district is halted by an opposing group.
• Confrontations escalate, leading to three deaths, including two home guards, and several injuries.
• Rumors spread about the potential involvement of a Bajrang Dal leader wanted for murder, adding to the tensions.

Who are Monu Manesar and Mamman Khan?

August 1, 2023: Violence Spreads to Gurugram

• The unrest extends to Gurugram, where a mosque is vandalized, and a cleric is killed.
• Curfew is imposed in both Nuh and Gurugram to control the situation.
• Internet services are suspended in Nuh, and schools and colleges in Gurugram and Faridabad remain closed to ensure public safety.
• Police arrest over 80 individuals in connection with the clashes.
• The death toll reaches five.

Exactly what went down in Nuh and Gurugram

August 2, 2023: Tensions continue

• A petition was moved in the Supreme Court seeking to stop the rallies announced by VHP and Bajrang Dal in Delhi-NCR following the Nuh communal violence. In its order on Wednesday, the top court said the "rallies can go on but should be video graphed".
• The situation in Nuh and Gurugram remains tense, but there are no further reports of violence.
• The death toll in Haryana communal clashes reaches six.
• The Haryana government forms a committee to investigate the underlying causes of the violence.
• VHP and Bajrang Dal organize protests and rallies in Delhi and different cities of UP.

Additional details:

• Delhi has been put on alert after fresh violence in Gurugram on Tuesday night.
• The violence was triggered by rumors of the potential participation of a Bajrang Dal leader, wanted for murder, in the religious procession in Nuh.
• In Gurugram, the unrest was reportedly sparked by the vandalism of a mosque.
• Authorities suspect that the violence was pre-planned and part of a larger conspiracy.

Who are Monu Manesar and Mamman Khan?

Mohit Yadav, aka Monu Manesar, is a self-proclaimed cow vigilante affiliated with the Bajrang Dal outfit. His name has gained prominence after the recent violence in Haryana due to his alleged involvement in a video released just a day before the VHP rally.

There were reports that Monu Manesar purportedly was going to be a part of the 'Shobha Yatra', and in a video, he was seen inviting others to join him in the rally. This act was seen as a taunt to the Nuh residents, as Monu Manesar was allegedly responsible for the killing of two Muslim boys, Nasir, and Junaid, on February 15, 2023.

Haryana MLA Mamman Khan's name has also emerged in connection with the violence in Nuh. He represents the Congress party in the Ferozepur Jhirka assembly constituency.

In an interview with Aaj Tak, Monu Manesar accused Mamman Khan of supporting the rioters during the recent violence. He claimed that Mamman Khan, along with other Muslim MLAs, encouraged the rioters.

In February, Mamman Khan had spoken against Monu Manesar in the Haryana assembly, presenting photographic evidence of acts of violence attributed to Manesar. Khan had challenged Manesar to visit Mewat again, promising that they would teach him a lesson.

Intelligence oversights and rumors

According to an India Today report, it has been revealed that warnings were issued about potential trouble during the VHP's procession, but inadequate measures were taken to prevent the escalation of the situation.

Furthermore, rumours surrounding the presence of a notorious cow vigilante Monu Manesar acted as a trigger for violence.

However, Monu Manesar claimed that he did not participate in the yatra on the VHP's advice as the group feared that his presence would create tension, PTI reported.