Communal tensions erupted in Bhopal's Jahangirabad (Photo: Organiser)
Jahangirabad, a densely populated area, predominantly Muslim in Bhopal, turned into a flashpoint on December 24 as tensions flared between Sikhs and Muslims. The Old Grain Market became a battleground, with both sides engaging in stone-pelting, brandishing swords, and wielding sticks. The chaos left more than six people injured, including women, and created a palpable sense of fear in the locality.
Sequence of Events
The incident, which reportedly stemmed from a minor altercation two days earlier, escalated sharply on December 24th morning. According to Ashish Upadhyay, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Jahangirabad police station, the root of the conflict lay in a dispute over speeding motorcycles. Two days ago, a case was registered against five individuals, three of whom were arrested, while two remain at large.
“Today’s unrest was fueled by the involvement of these two fugitives,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone 1, Priyanka Shukla. Despite a police presence at the scene, tensions escalated when a group of 50–60 people began pelting stones at houses and attacking residents indiscriminately. Videos from the incident showed individuals armed with swords and sticks.
Witness Accounts
Mohammad Raees, a local resident, shed light on the origins of the dispute. Two days earlier, Faiz, a resident of Sardar Mohalla, was rushing his ailing brother to the hospital when locals stopped him for speeding and assaulted him. Despite Faiz’s pleas about the medical emergency, the altercation spiraled out of control when others joined in, armed with swords. In self-defense, Faiz reportedly grabbed a knife from a vegetable cart, injuring one of his attackers.
“The attackers assaulted Faiz’s mother and brother as well,” Raees said. “Today, they came back in large numbers, attacking homes and injuring whoever they could find. A two-month-pregnant woman was pushed and had to be hospitalized. A young man, Raja Painter, was struck on the head with a sword. They even broke down doors and damaged CCTV cameras.”
Raees also alleged that for months, the opposing faction had blocked the road, causing friction in the area.
What locals tell Organiser?
Locals shared with Organiser that Jahangirabad, a predominantly Muslim locality, is home to a mix of Hindu and Sikh shop owners who have rented their spaces to predominantly Muslim tenants. The recent tensions in the area appear to have multiple underlying causes.
According to Sikh residents, the unrest began when their turban was allegedly disrespected by some members of the Muslim community, leading to a heated altercation. Others believe the dispute stemmed from disagreements over rent payments. Meanwhile, some news reports attribute the violence to a confrontation involving a speeding motorcycle.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Priyanka Shukla provided an update, stating that five accused have been detained so far. She added that individuals caught on video brandishing swords are being identified, and further arrests will follow as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police Intervention
Upon receiving reports of the violence, a significant police force, including senior officers, was deployed to restore order. The DCP stated that the police responded swiftly to prevent further escalation. “The situation is now completely under control. Action will be taken against individuals seen carrying weapons in the video footage,” Priyanka Shukla assured.
Injuries and Casualties
Several individuals sustained injuries during the violence. At least five people, including women, were sent to the hospital for medical treatment. Local residents reported that more than a dozen people were hurt in the melee.
The dispute reportedly has deeper roots. The Hindu-Sikh faction accused the other (Muslims) of blocking the main road, which they claim has disrupted movement in the area for days. Conversely, the other side cited reckless driving in the vicinity where children often play as the reason for their actions.
The situation in Jahangirabad remains tense but under control, with police maintaining a strong presence in the area. This is a developing story, Organiser will update the copy later.
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