Tension gripped Mathura after the death of local religious figure Baba Chandrashekhar, popularly known as “Farsa Baba,” in a road accident, as rumours quickly spread and triggered widespread unrest. What started as mourning soon turned into chaos, with supporters taking to the streets and disrupting normal life across parts of the district.
According to officials, the situation escalated on March 21 when a large group of followers gathered in the Kosi Kalan area and demanded that the postmortem of the deceased be stopped. Despite repeated appeals from the administration, the crowd refused to cooperate. In a dramatic development, the supporters allegedly removed the body from an ambulance and transported it in a private vehicle towards National Highway-19. Within a short time, they blocked the highway near Chhata, bringing traffic to a standstill and causing long queues of stranded vehicles.
As police and senior administrative officers reached the spot to restore order, the protest turned violent. Stones were hurled at police personnel and official vehicles, several of which were damaged in the attack. Eyewitnesses reported that some individuals also used illegal firearms, creating panic among commuters and locals. Passersby were allegedly harassed, and the situation spiraled into complete disorder.
With the situation slipping out of control, police used tear gas shells and mild force to disperse the crowd. The clash left multiple police personnel injured, including officers from Chhata police station and Kotwali Mathura, who were later taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that the use of force was necessary to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety.
In a swift response, Uttar Pradesh Police registered a case against 22 named individuals and around 250 to 300 unidentified persons under serious charges. So far, 14 people have been arrested in connection with the violence. Among those detained is Daksh Chaudhary, who describes himself as a cow protector. Police allege that he, along with his associates, attempted to incite unrest and worsen the situation, following which he was sent to jail.
During the investigation, police recovered several items from the protest site, including 15 motorcycles left behind by the accused, stones, sticks, and empty cartridges of .315 and .312 bore weapons. Officials said that strict action is being taken under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the IT Act, and laws related to damage of public property.
Authorities have also pointed to the role of social media in spreading misinformation that contributed to the unrest. Police are closely monitoring online platforms and scanning CCTV footage to identify more suspects. Officials warned that anyone found spreading rumours or provocative content will face strict legal action.
Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar stated that the situation is now under control but remains sensitive. Heavy police deployment has been ensured in vulnerable areas, particularly around Kosi Kalan and Chhata, to prevent any further incidents. He also confirmed that individuals attempting to enter the district from other states to disturb peace are being tracked and action is being taken against them.
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For now, normalcy is gradually returning to Mathura, but the administration remains on high alert. Authorities have appealed to residents to stay calm, avoid sharing unverified information, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace in the region.