On 24th December, a violent incident transpired in Purani Galla Mandi of Jahangirabad, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh where Muslims and Sikhs are in the majority. Stone pelting took place between members of the two communities and even swords were brandished which led to multiple injuries including women. Cops rushed to the location just as they received information about the occurrence and heavy police force was deployed there.
A brawl between a group of Sikhs and Muslims was discovered two days ago in the area, according to the police. It then turned into a contentious issue. Senior police officers were at the scene as soon as word spread that stones were being thrown. The region has been turned into a cantonment because of the gravity of the situation.
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: A clash broke out at the Old Galla Mandi in Jahangirabad, leading to a stone-pelting incident. Heavy police forces were deployed at the scene. At least half a dozen people were injured. More Details are awaited pic.twitter.com/BCVhGQZMGN
— IANS (@ians_india) December 24, 2024
The matter began on the evening of 22nd December when a person named Faiz rode a bike at a high speed from a predominantly Sikh neighbourhood which led to a clash. He took out a knife from a vegetable cart and attacked a Sikh after being confronted. A First Information Report has been registered in the case against 5 accused and three have been arrested including Faiz. The other two are currently absconding which triggered the chaos.
On the morning of 24th December, the members of the Sikh community assembled and attacked a Muslim individual named Michael. They then gathered in the Gurudwara where the authorities pacified them to calm the situation. The cops were already present at the site but further assistance was demanded due to the presence of a massive mob. Further action is underway and the police are looking for people involved in sword fighting and stone pelting with the help of CCTV. At least four people have been injured in the instance, per police but the situation is under control. Cops have been called from all nearby stations as well as from outside due to the sensitivity of the case.
Both sides are blaming each other and even claiming road blockades. A Muslim alleged that 3-4 Sikhs attacked Faiz with swords who used the knife to defend himself. He even stated that Faiz was going fast because his relative was sick and he was beaten by the Sikhs. He added that on 24th December 50-60 Sikhs launched an attack and were thrashing everyone in their way. They even struck someone on the head with their sword. They also attacked houses, kicked their doors and broke CCTV cameras.
Some people have been sent for their medical examination while at least 12 are wounded. Meanwhile, journalist Subhi Vishwakarma talked to a resident who unveiled that Jahangirabad is a largely Muslim neighbourhood where Sikhs and Hindus have rented stores. The majority of the tenants are Muslims. Tensions arose over rent money a few days ago.
“Sikhs claim Muslims disrespected their turban, which led to a scuffle. Others claim the tensions simmered over rent money, whereas news reports suggest it all started over a high-speed bike,” she informed on social media. According to DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police) Priyanka Shukla, five offenders have been taken into custody. Those who were captured on camera carrying swords will be soon apprehended.