Rajasthan Suspends Internet In Karauli Amid Escalating Gurjar-Meena Water Dispute

Mobile internet services were suspended in Rajasthan’s Karauli district on Thursday after tensions escalated between the Gurjar and Meena communities over the release of water from the Panchana dam. Authorities said the precautionary measure was taken after heated exchanges and alleged inflammatory posts on social media intensified the dispute between the two communities. Bharatpur Divisional Commissioner Nalini Kathotia said internet services would remain suspended until Thursday night as a preventive step to maintain law and order.

She said the decision followed the circulation of abusive and provocative messages on social media platforms by members of both communities. The district administration and police are monitoring the situation and taking necessary action, she added. The dispute is linked to demands surrounding the distribution of water from the Panchana dam, with members of both communities raising concerns over access to water resources. The issue gained momentum after alleged offensive posts appeared on social media, leading to protests and complaints from community members.

On Wednesday, members of the Gurjar community blocked roads at several locations in and around Karauli and staged demonstrations, demanding action against individuals from the Meena community who were allegedly responsible for posting abusive content online. Police subsequently registered FIRs against members of both groups in connection with alleged provocative posts. The Meena community also organised a protest at Kusay village in the Gangapur City subdivision of Sawai Madhopur district. Protesters alleged that water from the Panchana dam had not reached canals in the command area, affecting agricultural needs and raising concerns among residents dependent on irrigation facilities.

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The Panchana dam, located in the region, has been a point of contention due to concerns over water distribution among areas dependent on its canal network. Disputes over access to irrigation water have periodically led to tensions among communities in parts of Rajasthan, where agriculture remains heavily dependent on water availability. Following the protests and growing social media exchanges, local authorities increased security arrangements and began efforts to prevent further escalation.

Police teams have been deployed in sensitive areas, and officials have appealed to residents to avoid spreading unverified information or provocative messages online. The suspension of mobile internet services is aimed at preventing the spread of rumours and controlling the circulation of content that could worsen community tensions. Similar restrictions have previously been imposed by administrations in Rajasthan and other states during situations involving protests, communal tensions or law-and-order concerns.

Authorities have urged members of both communities to maintain peace and resolve the dispute through dialogue rather than demonstrations or online confrontations. The administration is expected to review the situation before deciding whether internet services can be restored after the precautionary suspension period. Meanwhile, police investigations into the alleged inflammatory social media posts are underway. Officials have said further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry, while efforts continue to prevent the dispute over Panchana dam water from turning into a larger law-and-order issue.

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