In a disturbing turn of events, a Shri Ram procession in Bhoj village of Padra district, Vadodara, faced an attack with stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to several devotees, including women. The incident occurred following the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla in the grand Ram Mandir of Ayodhya, triggering processions from village to village to commemorate the auspicious occasion.
Videos circulating on social media depict a chaotic scene during the yatra, with stones raining down on the devotees. Notably, a mosque is visible in the vicinity, and police are seen attempting to restore order.
According to media reports, police were present during the yatra, but security measures were reportedly minimal. Subsequently, the entire fleet was halted in the wake of the attack. High-ranking officials have rushed to the scene to assess the situation and control any potential escalation.
Padra police station’s PI Tadvi provided insights into the incident, mentioning that the rally was organised by Hindu Ekta Sangathan. The procession, which passed through several villages, reached Bhoj, where the stone-pelting occurred. Some women sustained injuries, and the police have since bolstered security arrangements, maintaining calm in the area.
વડોદરા રામજીની શોભાયાત્રા પર પથ્થરમારો..!
પાદરાના ભોજ ગામે પથ્થરમારામાં 10 મહિલા ભક્તો ઈજાગ્રસ્ત
ઘટનાને પગલે મોટી સંખ્યામાં પોલીસનો કાફલો ખડકાયો#Gujarat #Vadodara pic.twitter.com/ER78RWpGUx— Kathiyawad Sandesh News (@atul_bavaliya4) January 22, 2024
This incident closely follows a similar one in Kheralu, Mehsana, just 24 hours prior, where stones were pelted near a mosque on a Hindu procession passing through a Muslim area. In response, an FIR has been filed against a total of 32 individuals, leading to the arrest of 15.
The FIR details a pre-planned conspiracy by the accused, who allegedly pelted stones on the Shri Ram procession heading to Kheralu. The stones were reportedly collected on the roofs of Belim Vasan houses. The attackers, armed with sword-edged weapons, targeted individuals participating in the procession. The police are actively investigating the matter to bring the perpetrators to justice.
