Families say those offering Taraweeh prayers were rounded up while rioters were spared after a loudspeaker dispute turns violent
NEW DELHI — A fresh controversy has emerged in Madhya Pradesh’s Sihora town in Jabalpur district after police arrested 49 people, most of them Muslims, following violent clashes linked to a loudspeaker dispute between a temple and a mosque. Members of the Muslim community have alleged that many of those detained were offering Taraweeh (special Ramadan prayers) at the time and had no involvement in the violence.
The incident occurred in the Azad Chowk area of Sihora, where a temple and a mosque stand opposite each other. What began as a dispute over prayers and loudspeaker use reportedly escalated into stone pelting, vandalism and protests. Following the clashes, police launched a large-scale operation and tightened security in the town.
According to officials, 49 people have been arrested so far. Additional Superintendent of Police Suryakant Sharma said, “We have arrested 49 individuals in connection with the incident. Identification of others is ongoing and further action will be taken as per the law.” Police Superintendent Sampat Upadhyay stated that officers initially used mild force to control the crowd. “When the situation did not come under control, tear gas shells were fired. Senior officers reached the spot and additional forces were called from nearby districts,” he said.
However, allegations of bias have surfaced after the arrests. Community members and eyewitnesses claim that the police action targeted only members of the minority community, while those allegedly involved in instigating the violence were not detained.
A resident said, “Many of those arrested were inside the mosque offering Taraweeh prayers. They were not part of any stone pelting. We feel innocent people have been taken in.” Another resident added, “There should be a fair investigation. If someone is guilty, action should be taken, but not against people who were praying.”
The controversy deepened after reports that, days before the violence, activists of a Hindu organisation staged a protest outside Sihora police station. They reportedly sat on the road, recited Hanuman Chalisa and demanded strict action, including the demolition of houses belonging to members of the minority community.
Local councillor and Muslim leader Arshad Khan expressed concern over the developments. “A mazar was damaged during the incident,” he said. “For us, both temple and mazar are important. We respect all places of worship. It is painful that 10 to 12 innocent people may also have been arrested.”
Police have not responded directly to allegations that those detained were praying at the time of arrest. Officials maintain that action has been taken based on evidence and identification during the investigation.
The situation in Sihora remains sensitive, with security forces deployed in the area to prevent further unrest. Residents from both communities have called for calm and urged authorities to conduct an impartial inquiry. “We want peace in our town,” one elderly shopkeeper said. “Only a fair and transparent process will restore trust.”
As the investigation continues, the arrests in Sihora have raised wider questions about law enforcement response during communal tensions and the need to protect both public order and the rights of worshippers.
