Communal tension was reported in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana after separate incidents triggered clashes between two communities. Police have made multiple arrests and deployed heavy security in sensitive areas. Authorities say the situation is under control but remains tense.
Loudspeaker Dispute Sparks Violence in Jabalpur
In Sihora town of Jabalpur district, violence broke out on February 20 around 10 pm at Azad Chowk, where a Durga temple and a mosque are located close to each other.
According to officials, both places of worship were using loudspeakers during evening prayers. A disagreement reportedly started when a Muslim boy asked temple authorities to lower the volume of the aarti as Taraweeh prayers were underway at the mosque.
Inspector General of Police Pramod Verma said, “Members of both communities had earlier agreed not to use loudspeakers when prayers and religious services are underway at the other place of worship. This agreement was violated. Loudspeaker noise during prayers led to arguments, which escalated to stone pelting.”
Rumours about damage to a temple grill further fuelled tensions. Some local Muslim residents alleged that a shrine was vandalised first. Stone pelting followed, and shops and vehicles were damaged.
Superintendent of Police Sampath Upadhyay said, “We first used mild force to disperse the gathering. When the situation did not come under control, tear gas shells were fired.”
Police removed loudspeakers from both religious places. A total of 60 people have been arrested, and five FIRs registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rioting and defiling places of worship.
Forty-nine people, all Muslims, were arrested in the main case related to alleged damage to the temple and sent to judicial custody. Other FIRs relate to damage to a shrine, a fruit cart, tendu leaves stored at a woman’s house and electricity meters.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita have been imposed from February 19 to March 31 to prevent further flare up.
Local corporator Arshad Khan said, “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 also claimed that some innocent people were detained.
Stone Pelting During Shiv Jayanti in Bagalkot
In Bagalkot district, tension erupted during a Shiv Jayanti procession near a mosque in the Qila Oni area. Police said stones and slippers were allegedly thrown at the procession.
Two people have been arrested based on video footage and photographic evidence. A police officer said, “The accused have been booked for attempting to incite violence, obstructing police personnel and damaging private property. They have been remanded to judicial custody.”
Police have imposed prohibitory orders in the area. Restrictions were also placed on Pramod Muthalik and Hindu activist Puneeth Kerehalli as a precautionary measure.
Muthalik criticised the move, saying, “Those uniting the country are being targeted, while those creating rifts are being protected. I will participate in the event. Let the police arrest me.”
The district police said patrols have been increased and the situation is being closely monitored. No injuries were reported.
Slogan Shouting During Taraweeh in Hyderabad
In the Amberpet area of Hyderabad, clashes were reported when a Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti procession allegedly halted near a mosque around 10 pm while Taraweeh prayers were in progress.
According to reports, some participants raised slogans and played loud music near the mosque. People coming out after prayers objected, leading to slogan shouting from both sides. The confrontation lasted about five minutes before police intervened.
Officials said no loss of life or major property damage was reported. Security has been tightened in the area and officers are monitoring the situation.
Police Appeal for Peace
Authorities in all three states have appealed to residents not to spread rumours on social media and to maintain peace. Senior officials said investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow based on evidence and video footage.
