Communal discontent reigns What transpired in MP, Karnataka, and Andhra

In Bagalkot, Karnataka, the Shivaji Jayanti procession got underway in a calm manner. Stones were reportedly hurled at the parade as it passed in front of a mosque, ending the brief period of calm. Following a significant communal outburst, police enforced Section 144. Similar communal riots occurred during Ramadan prayers in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, around 400 kilometers away from Bagalkot. Madhya Pradesh was the third state where emotions erupted, with Jabalpur experiencing a heated exchange due to suspected vandalism at a Durga temple complex. However, no one was hurt in any of the three occurrences, and prompt police intervention served to stabilize the situation.

After a Durga temple complex was purportedly vandalized, tensions erupted in Jabalpur’s delicate Sihora tehsil on Thursday night, resulting in altercations and stone-throwing between two factions. According to locals, the incident occurred during the simultaneous evening prayers at a nearby mosque and the temple’s aarti. There was a confrontation after a young person allegedly damaged the temple’s grill. But soon after, chaos ensued, turning into stone-throwing and scuffles.Police officers from neighboring stations were dispatched to the scene. Even while tensions remained on Friday, the demonstrators were dispersed with a mild lathi-charge. The location is now more secure, with a sizable police presence stationed close to the mosque and temple. 

According to senior police officer Sampat Upadhyay and district collector Raghavendra Singh, no religious building was harmed, and no casualties were reported. According to authorities, about 20 persons have been taken into custody.

The Azad Chowk region has long been seen as sensitive, according to locals. In the past, there has also been a problem with the timings of the namaz and aarti at the temple and the nearby mosque. The matter is currently under control.Tensions increased in Bagalkot, Karnataka, when stones were thrown at a Shivaji Jayanti parade as it passed in front of the Panka Masjid. 

Hindu organizations claimed that disturbances were caused by a stone that was hurled from the vicinity of the mosque. Siddharth Goyal, the superintendent of police, was struck by one of the stones and had minor head injuries According to another source, confrontations arose during the procession after a group of Muslims objected to a song the DJ was playing that had the words “mandir banayenge.”

But police quickly stepped in and dispersed both groups. Eight persons have been taken into custody in the stone-pelting case, and Bagalkot town will be under Section 144 for the next four days. During Ramadan prayers in Hyderabad’s Amberpet, a Shivaji Jayanti procession passed a mosque in neighboring Andhra Pradesh, causing a small communal altercation. An dispute and a brief altercation erupted from the Muslim side objecting to the loud music and sloganeering during the procession. With almost 30% of the population being Muslim, Amberpet is a communal hot spot Given its delicate nature, the police arrived at the scene promptly and dispersed the crowd. There were no reports of injuries or property damage. To stop the situation from getting worse, more police officers were hurried to the scene on Friday. The incidents that took place in Hyderabad, Jabalpur, and Bagalkot are by no means unique. Historically, similar incidents have also occurred, particularly in areas where mosques and temples are close to one another.