Violence erupted during an Ambedkar Jayanti rally in Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, after a minor dispute escalated into a major clash between two groups, leaving over a dozen people injured and a police station vandalised.
According to officials, the incident took place in the Amiliya area on April 14 when members of the Bhim Army were taking out a rally to mark the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar.
The situation turned tense when rally participants asked two men sitting in a parked vehicle to move it. An argument broke out, which quickly escalated into violence. Eyewitnesses said the two men were dragged out of the vehicle and beaten.
“One of them collapsed unconscious, but people kept hitting him,” a local resident said, adding that another victim tried to escape but was chased and assaulted inside a nearby house.
Clash Turns Into Caste Violence
As the rally moved forward, tensions deepened and the incident reportedly took on a caste angle, turning into a clash between Dalit and upper-caste groups. Stone-pelting began from both sides, creating panic in the area.
Eyewitness Ramakant Shukla said, “Stones were being thrown from all sides. Even my car was hit, and I got injured when I tried to understand what was happening.”
Another local, Dinesh Kumar Shukla, said, “Around 20 people were beating the two men. They were not listening to anyone and kept attacking them.”
Mob Attacks Police Station
The violence escalated further when a large group reached the local police station after the rally ended. Police said more than 200 people stormed the premises, vandalised property, and attacked personnel, including the station in-charge.
Officials confirmed that CCTV cameras were damaged, vehicles were destroyed, and officers were assaulted. Station in-charge Rakesh Bais was reportedly chased and beaten during the chaos.
Additional Superintendent of Police Arvind Shrivastava said, “The attack was sudden. A group tried to free some people brought to the police station, which led to vandalism and violence.”
Injuries and Security Measures
Authorities said over 12 people were injured in the violence. While some sustained minor injuries, others required medical attention.
District Collector Vikas Mishra said, “We immediately sent teams to the spot. The situation is under control now, and we are ensuring proper treatment for the injured.”
Heavy police deployment remains in the area, with more than 200 personnel stationed across key points. Officials have restricted large gatherings and intensified patrolling to prevent further escalation.
Allegations and Counterclaims
Dalit leader Rani Verma alleged that members of Bajrang Dal were involved in the violence and claimed she was threatened.
“They told people to finish me because I support Babasaheb,” she said, adding that the station in-charge intervened and ensured her safety.
Meanwhile, police have not confirmed these allegations and said the matter is under investigation.
Situation Under Control, Probe Continues
Despite the tension, the local market reopened the next day under heavy security presence. Authorities say the situation is currently under control but remain cautious.
Officials have assured strict action against those responsible. “Law and order will not be compromised. Anyone involved in violence will face action,” a senior officer said.
The administration is continuing its investigation to determine the sequence of events and identify those behind the clashes.
