Hindu Man killed in knife attack by Muslims, protests turn violent in  Uttarakhand’s Khatima.

Tushar Murder: Main Hasheem accused shot in leg during ‘half encounter’, arrested after Khatima violence.

Ram Tiwari | HENB | Rudrapur | Dec 14, 2025:: Violence erupted in Khatima town of Udham Singh Nagar district  (Uttarakhand) after a 24-year-old Hindu youth named Tushar Sharma succumbed to injuries from a knife attack late on Friday night. The incident triggered widespread protests, leading to clashes between the police and protesters.

According to eyewitnesses, a group of over a dozen of Muslim youths allegedly attacked Tushar and his associates with knives near the roadways bus station. Tushar’s associates, Salman and Abhay, were also seriously injured in the attack.

Following Tushar’s death, members of Hindu organizations gathered at the roadways bus station, staging protests and forcibly shutting down shops. The situation escalated, with some shops being vandalized and a tea stall being set on fire.

The police intervened, resorting to a lathicharge to disperse the mob. Senior officers rushed to the scene to restore order. Two Muslim men were detained for their alleged involvement in the incident, and the main accused, Hasheem, was arrested after a half-encounter while attempting to flee.

After being injured, Hasheem was arrested from the Jhankat outpost area. He has been taken into custody and is undergoing medical treatment under police supervision.

The authorities are investigating the matter, working to maintain peace in the affected areas. Hasheem is receiving treatment in a hospital for injuries sustained during the encounter. The situation remains tense, with efforts underway to prevent further clashes.

Section 163 enforced amid rising tensions

Following the incident, the administration imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in Khatima on Sunday to prevent further unrest. The move came in response to growing tension and public anger after the murder.

Heavy police deployment has been made in sensitive areas, and authorities said efforts are underway to maintain law and order.

After news of the killing spread, angry locals staged protests and created ruckus in the area. Protesters allegedly set fire to the shop belonging to the accused, triggering panic and chaos at the scene. Considering the volatile situation, the administration acted swiftly to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

The incident dates back to Friday night, when an argument between two groups at the Khatima Roadways complex escalated into violence. During the clash, a stabbing incident took place, leaving Tushar Sharma dead and two other youths critically injured.

The injured were rushed to hospital and later referred to a higher medical centre due to their serious condition.

Bulldozer action at crime scene

Authorities also carried out bulldozer action at the site of the incident. The spot reportedly housed a tea stall owned by the accused’s father, along with several nearby shops. These structures were demolished as part of the administrative action following the violence.

Police officials said the investigation into the case is ongoing and that action is being taken against all those involved.

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_Inputs from India TV.