Hindu organisations accuse Muslim youths of ‘love jihad’, leading to violent attacks, arson, and the arrest of seven in Bichrod village near Ujjain
UJJAIN – Tensions have gripped Bichrod village near Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh after accusations of ‘love jihad’ against Muslim youths in the area. The unrest was sparked by a viral video showing a Hindu girl with a Muslim youth, which angered local Hindu organisations and led to violence against the Muslim community.
The video, which spread rapidly on social media, showed the young woman with one of the accused, triggering an immediate backlash from members of the Hindu community in the village. In response to the video, an enraged mob, reportedly supported by Hindu organisations, launched an attack on the homes of Muslim families, accusing them of engaging in ‘love jihad’ – a term used by right-wing groups to allege that Muslim men are involved in deceptive tactics to convert Hindu women to Islam through romantic relationships.
Villagers, joined by members of Hindu organisations, stormed the homes of Muslim youths. Two youths, including the main accused Farman, were dragged from their homes and their mobile phones were seized by the mob. Upon inspecting the phones, the mob claimed to have found objectionable photos and videos, further inflaming tensions.
The mob’s anger turned violent when they started pelting stones at the house of Farman, one of the youths accused of being involved in the alleged ‘love jihad’. The situation deteriorated further when the house was set on fire, with significant damage caused before the fire brigade could arrive on the scene.
Farman’s house was not the only target. Other properties belonging to Muslim families in the village were also attacked, leaving residents fearful for their safety. The fire brigade and police arrived promptly at the scene, but by then, significant damage had already been done.
As the violence spread, Ujjain’s Superintendent of Police (SP), Pradeep Sharma, along with senior officers, rushed to Bichrod village to control the situation. The police quickly detained seven Muslim youths, including Farman, Iqrar, Uzair Pathan, Raja Rangrez, Zuber Mansuri, Junaid Mansuri, and Faiz Khan.
“We have detained seven youths after the video went viral,” said SP Pradeep Sharma, speaking to reporters at the scene. “The mobile data of all detained individuals is being investigated by the cyber team. We are also investigating the mobile phone of the main accused.”
Authorities have assured that a thorough investigation will follow, with police questioning the detained youths and gathering evidence from their mobile phones. Sharma further stated, “We are counselling the two girls involved in this matter through a female police officer. A formal FIR will be lodged based on their statements, and appropriate legal action will follow.”
In the aftermath of the violence, police forces were stationed throughout Bichrod village to prevent further unrest. Ujjain’s SP also assured the public that the situation was now under control, and efforts were underway to bring peace to the area.
Hindu organisations, which have been vocal in their protests over ‘love jihad’ in recent years, continue to demand stricter actions against Muslim youths accused of such acts. These organisations, backed by a segment of the local population, argue that incidents like these are part of a larger, coordinated effort to convert Hindu women through deceitful means.
“The government must act decisively against such elements who are involved in love jihad. This is an attack on the honour of our community,” said one local Hindu leader, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The unrest in Bichrod village is just the latest in a series of similar incidents across India, where accusations of ‘love jihad’ have led to violence and strained communal relations. The term, which has been widely criticised by many as an unfounded conspiracy, continues to be used by right-wing groups to target Muslims.
The incidents in Bichrod reflect broader communal tensions that have been simmering in Madhya Pradesh, and many fear that such incidents could escalate further. Experts warn that unchecked communal violence and divisive rhetoric can inflame religious tensions, leading to long-lasting damage to the social fabric of the region.
Residents have called for a calm, measured approach to resolve the situation. “We are living in a peaceful village, but this violence has shattered that peace. We hope that both communities can find a way to coexist without further bloodshed,” said a resident of Bichrod, expressing concern over the situation.
While the police have arrested the accused youths, it remains to be seen how the investigation will unfold. With large sections of the village under heavy police surveillance, the coming days will likely be crucial in determining whether calm can be restored to the area.
Authorities in Ujjain are continuing their investigation into the events that transpired in Bichrod village. Meanwhile, religious leaders from both communities have called for peace, urging their followers to refrain from escalating tensions further.
The arrest of the seven youths has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some calling for due process and others demanding harsher measures. In any case, the situation remains volatile, and the coming days will be critical in determining the path forward for the residents of Bichrod and the broader region.
As the investigation continues, one question looms large: will these violent incidents spark a larger wave of unrest across the country, or will the authorities manage to contain the situation and restore peace? The answer to that will determine whether the cycle of violence and accusations, particularly those revolving around the controversial issue of ‘love jihad’, will continue to tear at the communal fabric of India.
