Udaipur: Hindus near Kanhaiya Lal's shop save 'tajiya' from fire during Muharram procession

In an act with potential to fill some of the breach between the two communities, Hindus rescued a 'tajiya' from fire during a Muharram procession which was being carried out barely a few metres from Kanhaiya Lal's shop here. Lal, a tailor, was brutally murdered in a hate crime over a month back by two Muslims, with the incident sending the entire region on edge with fear of communal riots.

The top of a 25-feet high tajiya caught fire Tuesday evening, as the procession made its way through narrow lanes in Mochiwada street.

Muslims revellers trailing behind the tajiya failed to notice the fire immediately, which was spotted by locals who were witnessing the procession from their second or third floor balconies.


Locals, when they spotted the fire, did not waste time and took it upon themselves to put it out and started throwing water at it.

Ashish Chowadia, Rajkumar Solanki and their family members kept pouring water on the structure from their balconies till the flames were doused, police said.

"Not only was the incident averted, but it also became an example of communal harmony. This incident has won everyone's heart," district collector Tara Chand Meena said.

Deputy SP (East) Shipra Rajawat, who was also present there, said the fire was probably caused by a short circuit or sparks from the incense sticks. After the Hindus extinguished the fire, Muslims thanked them by clapping, she said.

She said that Mochiwada street is close to Mal Das street where Kanhaiya Lal was murdered on June 28.

Kanhaiya Lal was murdered by two men - Riaz Akhtari, who is also referred to as Riyaz Attari, and Ghouse Mohammad.

After the murder, the two released a video wielding the cleaver with which they hacked Lal, and said that he was beheaded for insulting Islam.