On December 24th, a violent clash erupted in Purani Galla Mandi, Jahangirabad, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, an area with a large Muslim and Sikh population. The altercation involved stone-throwing and the use of swords, leading to several injuries, including women. The police swiftly responded to the incident, deploying a heavy force to the scene.
Image via People's Update
According to the police, the conflict had started two days earlier when a brawl broke out between a group of Sikhs and Muslims in the area, escalating into a major dispute. Senior police officers were quickly on-site after reports of stone-throwing surfaced, and the region was subsequently secured with heavy police presence due to the seriousness of the situation.
The conflict traces back to the evening of December 22nd, when a man named Faiz, riding his bike at high speed through a predominantly Sikh neighborhood, triggered a confrontation. After being challenged, Faiz reportedly pulled out a knife from a vegetable cart and attacked a Sikh individual. A First Information Report was filed, naming five suspects; three, including Faiz, have been arrested, while two others are still at large, escalating tensions.
On the morning of December 24th, members of the Sikh community retaliated, attacking a Muslim named Michael. They later gathered at a Gurudwara, where authorities intervened to calm the situation. While police were already present, additional assistance was requested to manage the large crowd. Authorities are now investigating the incident, using CCTV footage to identify those involved in the sword fighting and stone-throwing. Police confirm that at least four individuals were injured, but the situation has since been brought under control. Law enforcement has been reinforced with personnel from nearby and external stations, given the sensitive nature of the case.
Both sides are accusing each other, with a Muslim resident claiming that a group of Sikhs attacked Faiz with swords, prompting him to defend himself with a knife. He also suggested that Faiz was rushing due to a family emergency and was assaulted by the Sikhs. On December 24th, he reported that 50-60 Sikhs launched an attack, beating anyone in their path, injuring one person with a sword, and damaging homes by kicking doors and smashing CCTV cameras.
At least 12 individuals have been injured, with some undergoing medical examinations. Additionally, journalist Subhi Vishwakarma interviewed a local resident who explained that Jahangirabad is predominantly Muslim, with Sikhs and Hindus renting shops in the area. Tensions had recently flared over disputes regarding rent payments.
“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. As per DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police) Priyanka Shukla, five suspects have been arrested. Those seen on camera wielding swords will be apprehended shortly.
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