Violence broke out in Tarana town of Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district after a local Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader was allegedly assaulted, triggering two days of arson, vandalism and clashes between two communities.
The incident began on Thursday night when Sohal Thakur Bundela, who heads the VHP’s Gau Seva Prakoshtha in the area, was reportedly attacked following a verbal altercation with a group of men. According to police, the dispute started over a minor argument and quickly turned violent, leaving Bundela with multiple injuries.
Following the assault, tensions escalated rapidly as mobs from both sides took to the streets. Several vehicles were damaged near the local bus stand, with at least 11 buses, multiple cars and motorbikes vandalised. Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS and deployed additional forces to control the situation.
However, fresh clashes were reported on Friday, particularly after Friday prayers, when armed groups from both communities allegedly confronted each other. Police said the local force was overwhelmed, prompting reinforcements from several police stations across the district.
Videos circulated on social media showed people carrying sticks, rods and other weapons, with some attempting to break into locked houses even in the presence of police. Local residents also alleged that certain neighbourhoods and properties were specifically targeted during the unrest.
Police arrested five accused in connection with the initial assault, but the arrests led to protests outside the Tarana police station by supporters of the injured VHP leader. They reportedly demanded strict action, including public parading of the accused and demolition of their houses.
Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradip Sharma said 15 to 20 people have been detained so far, and CCTV footage is being examined to identify others involved. “Strict action will be taken against all those found responsible,” he said.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav issued a warning, saying those involved in the violence would not be spared. Local leaders, including the town Qazi and a Congress MLA, appealed for calm, stressing that Tarana has no major history of communal violence and urging residents to maintain peace.
