Tensions erupted once again in Tarana town of Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh, on Friday following Friday prayers. A mob allegedly set two buses ablaze, vandalized shops, and hurled stones at multiple locations, plunging the area into chaos. Heavy police deployment swiftly moved in to restore order amid rising fears of escalation.
The incident traces back to a minor altercation on January 22 evening over yielding way to a bus. What began as a petty dispute quickly snowballed into communal friction between two groups, leading to stone-pelting, destruction, and arson. By Friday, unidentified miscreants intensified the violence by torching vehicles and creating widespread panic.
Police rushed to the scene upon receiving reports and managed to contain the situation. Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma confirmed that cases of attempted murder have been registered against six individuals. He urged citizens to maintain peace, assuring strict action against perpetrators.
SP Sharma linked the unrest to an attack on youth Sohail Thakur, who was brutally assaulted from behind, sustaining severe head injuries. He was rushed to Ujjain for treatment and is now stable. Based on his complaint, police named Sappan Mirza, Ishaan Mirza, Shadab alias Idli, Salman Mirza, Rizwan Mirza, and Naveed in the FIR. Five have been arrested, with four others under interrogation.
This isn’t the first flare-up in Tarana tehsil. Previously, an assault on a VHP-Bajrang Dal activist sparked similar tensions, with protesters damaging around a dozen buses at the bus stand, prompting massive police presence.
Markets remained shuttered on Friday due to the volatile atmosphere, with continuous patrols in sensitive zones. Hindu organization members staged a siege at Tarana police station, demanding demolition of accused homes and public shaming processions. They held a sit-in and chanted Hanuman Chalisa outside the station despite administrative pleas.
Authorities insist all suspects will be apprehended, with CCTV footage under review that could lead to more arrests. Viral social media videos showing arson and clashes circulate online, though unverified.
Coinciding with Basant Panchami and Friday prayers, senior officers, an STF company, and 300 personnel have been stationed. The administration appeals for calm from both communities to prevent further unrest.
