On 19th February (Thursday), a Muslim mob launched an attack and also damaged the grille at the Durga Mandir during the aarti at approximately 9 pm in the Sihora tehsil of Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh. The incident led to tensions in the area, accompanied by severe stone-pelting and violence.
After the situation intensified, the authorities had to apply mild force and discharged tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Afterwards, police acted promptly and apprehended more than 15 perpetrators. Several cops have been deployed to the neighbourhood to prevent any untoward incident.
#WATCH | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: SP, Jabalpur Sampat Upadhyay says, "… An incident of stone pelting occured in Azad chowk… Police reached the spot and controlled the crowd… More than 15 people have been arrested… " (19.02) pic.twitter.com/veqFRHGcL7
— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2026
The unrest took place at Azad Chowk in Ward No. 5 of Sihora, where the temple and the mosque are situated directly across from each other. A group of Muslims entered the mosque to conduct their prayers during the aarti, which led to a dispute that eventually escalated into a violent confrontation.
The circumstances deteriorated further when the Muslim group began chanting slogans and vandalising the grille in front of the temple. According to media reports, a group of Muslims assembled after a trivial face-off, which led to fighting. Within a short period, stone pelting commenced, resulting in a stampede-like scenario. Stones were reportedly hurled from the rooftop of a nearby building as well.
The sudden onslaught and the chaos that followed prompted many persons to flee. Police from the Sihora police station reached the location after receiving the information. The authorities took action after which order was restored. The patrolling was increased in sensitive areas until late at night, with residents advised to remain indoors and avoid spreading rumours. Stores were also shut down.
Collector Raghavendra Singh and Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay visited the site to assess the situation. A substantial police presence was established throughout the region. According to Upadhyay, cops from the Sihora, Khitauli and Gosalpur police stations were dispatched right away to the scene, and reinforcements were also sent from Jabalpur.
Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay confirmed that no injuries had been reported. The accused are currently being identified and measures are being taken against them. Over 15 individuals have been nabbed, and efforts to locate other suspects are ongoing. The administration has assured that sufficient security personnel have been dispatched to uphold peace and maintain law and order in the vicinity.
