On May 5, one person was killed and at least 15 others, including a police officer, injured when members of two caste groups, Thakurs and Dalits, clashed over loud music being played during a procession. Clashes again broke out on May 23, and one person was killed and four injured. On Wednesday, May 24, three more people were injured in a round of fresh violence in the district.
The state government on Wednesday suspended the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, and the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Inspector General were transferred out. Internet and mobile SMS services were suspended in Saharanpur to prevent the spread of rumours, which could potentially spark more trouble.