Tension erupted in parts of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh following separate communal flashpoints linked to religious processions and prayer timings. While the incidents created anxiety in the affected areas, officials confirmed that no casualties were reported and the situations were brought under control with swift police intervention.
The first incident was reported from Bagalkot in Karnataka, where a Shivaji Jayanti procession initially proceeded peacefully. Trouble began when the rally passed in front of a mosque and stones were allegedly thrown, triggering unrest. Police later imposed Section 144 in the town as a precautionary measure.
Nearly 400 km away, a similar flare-up occurred in Hyderabad during Ramzan prayers. The third instance was reported from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, where tensions rose over alleged vandalism at a Durga temple complex.
What happened in Jabalpur?
The situation turned tense in Sihora tehsil of Jabalpur on Thursday night after a portion of a Durga temple complex was allegedly damaged. According to locals, the incident coincided with evening aarti at the temple and namaz at a nearby mosque.
A youth allegedly damaged part of the temple grill, which led to an altercation between members of two groups. The dispute soon escalated into stone-pelting and clashes.
Police teams from adjoining stations rushed to the area and used mild force to disperse the crowd. Heavy deployment has since been made around both the temple and the mosque.
District Collector Raghavendra Singh and senior police officer Sampat Upadhyay said no major damage was caused to any religious structure and there were no injuries. Around 20 people have been detained for questioning. Officials added that the situation remains under control.
Residents pointed out that Azad Chowk has long been considered a sensitive locality, especially when temple aarti and mosque prayers overlap.
What happened in Bagalkot?
In Bagalkot, tensions rose during a Shivaji Jayanti procession as it passed near the Panka Masjid. Some participants alleged that stones were thrown from the mosque side, sparking unrest.
Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal sustained minor injuries after being hit by a stone. He told reporters that two stones were thrown as the procession approached the mosque.
Another version suggested that a dispute began after objections were raised to a song played during the procession. Regardless of the trigger, police quickly intervened and dispersed both groups.
Section 144 has been imposed in Bagalkot town for four days, and eight people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Police said the situation is now peaceful.
What happened in Hyderabad?
A brief flare-up was also reported from Amberpet in Hyderabad when a Shivaji Jayanti procession passed a mosque during Ramzan prayers. Objections were raised over loud music and sloganeering, leading to a heated exchange and a short scuffle.
Police reached the spot promptly and dispersed those gathered. No injuries or damage to property were reported. Additional personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.
Situation under control
Although the incidents occurred in different states, a common factor was the proximity of temples and mosques and the timing of religious activities. Authorities in all three locations have appealed for calm and assured residents that strict action will be taken against those found responsible.
For now, peace has been restored, but officials remain on alert in the sensitive pockets.