Communal Tension Erupts in Jabalpur Following Temple Vandalism Incident
Tension gripped the Sihora area of Jabalpur on Thursday late night after a youth allegedly vandalized the grills of a Durga temple, leading to violent clashes and stone-pelting between two groups. The incident, which occurred during simultaneous religious prayers, prompted a heavy police deployment to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The disturbance was reported from Ward No. 5 in the Azad Chowk area around 9 pm. According to police officials, the timing coincided with Aarti ceremonies at the temple and namaz prayers at a mosque located opposite the shrine. A youth is alleged to have damaged the temple's grill, sparking an initial altercation that quickly escalated.
Local residents claimed that following the vandalism, the youth was assaulted, which led to members from both sides gathering at the scene. The situation deteriorated rapidly into stone-pelting, with the clash lasting approximately 10 minutes before police intervention became necessary.
Police Response and Control Measures
Senior Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay confirmed that teams from Sihora, Khitauli, and Gosalpur police stations were immediately dispatched to the location. Additional reinforcements were scrambled from Jabalpur to bolster security and prevent the violence from spreading.
"Additional forces have been deployed in the area and the situation is now under control. A few tear gas shells were lobbed to control the mob," stated SSP Upadhyay. The use of tear gas was a critical measure to disperse the crowd and quell the unrest effectively.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Police authorities have emphasized that an investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances and identify those responsible for the vandalism and subsequent violence. The incident has raised concerns about communal harmony in the region, with officials urging calm and cooperation from all parties involved.
The deployment of a substantial police presence continues in Sihora to monitor the situation and ensure no further incidents occur. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
