Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: Tension gripped Sihora town in Jabalpur district after clashes between two communities led to stone pelting and vandalism. Police arrested 49 people in connection with the violence.
The incident took place around 10 pm in the Azad Chowk area. Eyewitnesses said a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and a mosque stand close to each other. During an aarti at the temple, a dispute broke out over alleged damage to the temple’s safety grill. Soon after, both sides hurled stones. Shops and parked vehicles suffered damage.
Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay said officers first used mild force. When the crowd did not disperse, they fired eight to ten teargas shells. Senior police and administrative officials visited the area. Authorities deployed additional forces from outside the district.
Additional Superintendent of Police Suryakant Sharma confirmed 49 arrests. Police have registered an FIR and are identifying others involved. Protesters alleged vandalism of the temple and claimed stones were stored near another place of worship. District Collector Raghavendra Singh said the situation is under control and ruled out prohibitory orders. He stated the temple remained undamaged and the clash stayed limited to two groups.
In Bhopal, Minister Vishwas Sarang said no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. He referred to a viral video and said an investigation is underway.
Local corporator and Muslim leader Arshad Khan called the incident deplorable. He said a mazar was vandalised and urged protection of all places of worship. He also claimed some arrested individuals are innocent and sought action only against those involved.
