The Taj Mahal was reopened to visitors on Thursday after riots left behind one dead and at least 50 injured in Agra, authorities announced.

A senior police officer said the mausoleum is again open and the area surrounding the imposing complex “is normal and peaceful.”

No incidents were reported since Wednesday evening when a curfew was imposed in some regions of Agra, the official underlining that tourists do not have to postpone their trip to the Taj Mahal.

The curfew wasn’t lifted in three areas considered to be to burning points of yesterday’s flare up of violence, several public institutions being closed until Saturday, the same police official informed.

A road accident apparently sparked a fierce riot in the city located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh. Dozens of Muslims took the streets angry that a young person from their community was run over by a vehicle as he was returning from the evening prayer.

Police forces intervened to stem an outbreak of violence, but the situation quickly degenerated and protesters attacked the security forces. Several cars were burned down, a factory was also torched by the raging mob that attacked district police stations.

In the clashes, one person was killed and several were injured after policemen cracked down on demonstrators using batons and even firing warning shots in the air. Peace was restored, but numerous security forces remained on the streets of Agra as a curfew was imposed in some areas.

Wednesday’s incidents gave a blow to the tourist industry and prompted the government to order a thorough investigation in order to prevent more damage to the mentioned sector.
 
Thousands of people visit the Taj Mahal each day, nearly 2.5 million people entering the gates of this spectacular structure only last year. The complex was built at the order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.