Varanasi – A land dispute in Chitauna village, Varanasi, has escalated into a tense caste conflict, dividing the community and drawing the attention of locals and politicians. What began as a disagreement over a small plot of land has escalated into a clash between the Rajbhar and Thakur communities, raising concerns about social harmony. Here’s the latest on this unfolding situation.
The Dispute’s Origins
The trouble started on July 5, 2025, in Chitauna village, about 30 kilometers from Varanasi city, when two neighbors—a Rajbhar and a Thakur—argued over half a biswa (roughly 60 square yards) of land and some bamboo groves. The disagreement turned violent, leading to injuries on both sides and two arrests by the local police. What seemed like a routine property dispute quickly took a caste-based turn as local leaders and political groups got involved, framing it as a Rajbhar versus Thakur issue. Villagers say the land in question has been contested for years, with both families claiming ownership based on old records.
Political Interference Fuels Tensions
The situation worsened when political figures entered the fray. Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar visited the hospital to meet only the injured from his Rajbhar community, prompting accusations of bias from the Thakur-led Karni Sena. The group claimed this fueled division, and in response, police filed an FIR from the Thakur side to balance the case. Social media posts show villagers pleading for justice, not politics, with some claiming leaders are exploiting the dispute for votes. Banners have appeared across Chitauna, urging outsiders to stay out and let locals resolve the matter. The police have deployed extra forces to maintain order.
Impact and Local Voices
Families from both communities are worried about safety, and daily life has been disrupted. “This isn’t about caste; it’s about land. Politicians are making it worse,” said a local woman whose family was caught in the crossfire. The village, once tight-knit, now faces distrust, with some refusing to speak to neighbors from the other side. Community leaders have called for calm, urging residents to settle the matter through dialogue, but the heavy police presence and political rhetoric are making peace hard to achieve.
Official Response and Investigation
Varanasi’s police, led by Commissioner Mohit Agrawal, have stepped in to control the situation. A committee has been formed to review revenue records and determine the rightful owner of the disputed land. Both sides have been asked to maintain peace until the investigation concludes. “We’re ensuring no further violence occurs,” Agrawal said. The administration is also probing claims of political interference, with officials promising strict action against anyone stoking caste tensions. The committee’s report is expected soon, but locals fear delays could escalate matters further.
Broader Context of Land Disputes
Land disputes turning into caste conflicts are not new in Uttar Pradesh. The state’s complex social fabric, tied to caste and land ownership, often amplifies small disagreements. In Chitauna, the Rajbhar-Thakur divide reflects broader tensions between backward and upper castes. Experts point to economic pressures and political vote banks as key drivers, with land being a sensitive issue in rural areas. Similar incidents, like a 2019 clash in Sonbhadra that killed 10 Gond tribals, show how land disputes can turn deadly when caste dynamics are exploited. Residents hope Chitauna avoids such a fate.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, Chitauna’s residents are calling for a quick and fair resolution. The police have urged both communities to avoid violence and resist political manipulation. Karni Sena has planned a protest on July 18, 2025, demanding justice, while the Samajwadi Party has accused the ruling BJP of favoritism. Villagers, tired of the conflict, want to return to normalcy. “We’ve lived together for years. This land fight shouldn’t tear us apart,” said a local elder. With authorities working to resolve the dispute, the hope is that Chitauna can heal and prevent further caste-based unrest.
