Police deploy forces, 49 arrested in Madhya Pradesh and prohibitory orders in Karnataka
NEW DELHI — Communal tension was reported in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana after separate incidents led to clashes between two communities, prompting heavy police deployment and arrests.
In Sehura, in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, 49 people have been arrested after stone pelting and vandalism broke out at Azad Chowk, where a temple and a mosque face each other.
According to local reports, members of the majority community claimed that the protective grille of a temple had been broken, which led to protests and later clashes. Members of the minority community said that a nearby shrine was vandalised first, and that the violence began after that.
There were also conflicting media reports suggesting that aarti was performed on loudspeakers at the temple while prayers were being offered in the mosque, which added to the tension.
Eyewitnesses said that an argument over the alleged damage quickly turned into stone pelting from both sides. Some shops and vehicles in the area were damaged.
Superintendent of Police Sampath Upadhyay said the situation escalated despite initial efforts to control the crowd.
“We first used mild force to disperse the gathering. When the situation did not come under control, tear gas shells were fired,” he said.
Senior police and administrative officials later visited the area. Additional police forces were called from neighbouring districts as a precaution.
Additional SP Suryakant Sharma confirmed the arrests. “So far, 49 people have been arrested. Others involved in the violence are being identified and action will be taken,” he said.
On Friday, workers of a Hindutva organisation reportedly surrounded the Sehura police station. They sat on the road reciting Hanuman Chalisa and demanded that bulldozers be used on the houses of members of the minority community.
Local corporator and Muslim leader Arshad Khan expressed sadness over the events. “A shrine was vandalised. For us, shrines and temples have the same importance. We do not want any place of worship to be harmed,” he said.
He also claimed that innocent people had been detained. “Around 10 to 12 innocent people have been arrested in this case,” Khan added.
In the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, tension was reported when a Shiv Jayanti procession passed in front of a mosque. There were allegations of stone pelting during the procession.
Police imposed prohibitory orders in the area to prevent further unrest.
Bagalkot Superintendent of Police said that a complaint had been received. “There was a report of stone pelting. No one was injured. The matter is under investigation,” he said.
Authorities have increased patrols in sensitive areas.
In Hyderabad’s Amberpet area, clashes were reported during Taraweeh prayers. According to local reports, a Shiv Jayanti procession was halted near the Amberpet mosque for an extended period.
It was alleged that loud music and provocative slogans were raised at the site while prayers were underway inside the mosque.
Members of the minority community objected to the loud music and slogans, which led to a confrontation.
Police reached the spot quickly and dispersed the crowd. Officials said that no loss of life or major property damage was reported.
Security has been tightened in the area, and officers are monitoring the situation closely.
The incidents in the three states come at a time when religious processions and prayer timings often require careful coordination by local authorities.
Police in all affected areas said that the situation is under control but sensitive. Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests may follow based on evidence and video footage.
Authorities have appealed to residents to maintain peace and not spread rumours on social media.
