Communal clashes in MP’s Neemuch over Hanuman Idol, section 144 imposed
"Some people had placed an idol of Lord Hanuman near a dargah which lead to a clash between two groups in the old Kachari area. During the clash, some persons pelted stones damaging three to four motorcycles, but nobody was injured. Adequate police force deployed," the Neemuch SP said.
New Delhi: In yet incident of communal flare-up in Madhya Pradesh, two communities came to blows in Neemuch on Monday night and indulged in violent clashes, however, no casualty was reported.
The altercation broke out after a group allegedly installed a Hanuman idol near a dargah, leaving the members of other community enraged & up in arms. The clashes broke out and both sides engaged in stone-pelting. Some groups resorted to arson and set motorcycles ablaze.
However, the situation was quickly brought under control as police personel was deployed in large numbers. No casualty or injury have been reported however some vehicles were damaged in the clashes.
The authorities have imposed Section 144 in the area, which means assembly of four or more than 4 people remains prohibited in the area.
Briefing the media about violence, Neemuch SP said that the groups engaged in scuffle over installation of Lord Hanuman idol.
Madhya Pradesh | After a dispute between two parties, prohibitory orders under section 144 implemented in Neemuch. pic.twitter.com/WlSjg9WSCo
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) May 17, 2022
“Some people had placed an idol of Lord Hanuman near a dargah which lead to a clash between two groups in the old Kachari area. During the clash, some persons pelted stones damaging three to four motorcycles, but nobody was injured. Adequate police force deployed,” the Neemuch SP said.
9 people have been detained by the police so far. Situation is under control for now.
In past few days, Madhya Pradesh has seen couple of communal flare incidents, in which two sides engaged stone-pelting & arson.
Khargone was the worst hit by communal violence after the Ram Navami procession was pelted with stones on April 10. The clashes continued for next 3-4 days with police keeping a tight vigil on unruly elements. Later, evidence of planned violence also came to light as CCTV footage showed couple of men arranging weapons a day before the violence. Rioters alleged links with the Popular Front of India (PFI) is under investigation.