Communal tensions flared across Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on Thursday during separate religious events, prompting swift police intervention and prohibitory orders, though no casualties were reported.
In Madhya Pradesh, unrest broke out in Jabalpur’s Sihora tehsil after a Durga temple complex was allegedly vandalised. The incident occurred when evening aarti at the temple coincided with prayers at a nearby mosque. Locals said a youth allegedly damaged a grill at the temple, leading to an altercation that quickly escalated into clashes and stone-pelting between two groups.
Police personnel from neighbouring stations were rushed to the spot and a mild lathi-charge was carried out to disperse the crowd. Security was tightened in the sensitive Azad Chowk area, with heavy deployment around the temple and mosque. District Collector Raghavendra Singh and senior police officer Sampat Upadhyay said no religious structure was damaged and no injuries were reported. Around 20 people were detained.
Also read: Jabalpur town tense after communal clash, 49 arrested
In Karnataka’s Bagalkot, tension erupted during a Shivaji Jayanti procession as it passed in front of the Panka Masjid. Hindu groups alleged stones were thrown from the mosque side, triggering unrest. Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal sustained minor head injuries after being hit by a stone.
“As the procession approached the mosque, two stones were thrown from a distance toward us,” Goyal told the media.
Another account suggested that objections were raised to a song played during the procession, reportedly containing the line “mandir banayenge”. Police dispersed both sides and imposed Section 144 in Bagalkot town for four days. Eight persons were arrested. “We know who exactly pelted the two stones. The situation is now under control,” the SP said.
In Hyderabad’s Amberpet area, a Shivaji Jayanti procession passing a mosque during Ramzan prayers led to a brief scuffle after objections were raised over loud music and sloganeering. Police intervened swiftly and prevented escalation. No injuries or property damage were reported, and additional forces were deployed on Friday as a precaution.
Authorities in all three states said the situation was under control, even as security remained heightened in the affected areas.
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