The atmosphere in Ratlam city turned tense after a provocative act during a Muharram procession led to widespread protests by the Hindu community. The incident, which occurred on July 6, involved Muslim youths burning a saffron banner bearing the words ‘Hindu Rashtra’ along with the sacred ‘Om’ symbol. A video of the act has since gone viral on social media, sparking anger and condemnation across the region.
The Muharram procession was moving through Masjid Square when some participants began performing acrobatic stunts, including the traditional act of fire-spitting in front of the tazia. In the widely circulated video, one of the men is seen turning towards the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ banner while spitting fire, which ignited the banner partially.
The act was immediately perceived by the local Hindu community as a deliberate provocation aimed at hurting religious sentiments. The burning of symbols associated with the Hindu faith, especially in a public procession, triggered outrage.
“If this kind of incitement happens publicly and we stay silent, it will keep escalating. Such disrespect towards Hindu symbols cannot be tolerated,” said Rajendra Sharma, a member of the Hindu Jagran Manch.
रतलाम में मोहर्रम जुलूस पर हिंदुओं के मोहल्ले में जाकर हिंदुओं को भड़काने के लिए मुस्लिम लोगों ने भगवा झंडा हिंदू राष्ट्र लिखा झंडा और ॐ के निशान का झंडा जलाया
अब सोचिए अगर हिंदू भी पलट कर जवाब देते तो क्या होता pic.twitter.com/n9c4rGbED5
— 🇮🇳Jitendra pratap singh🇮🇳 (@jpsin1) July 7, 2025
Markets Shut, Hanuman Chalisa Echoes on Streets
In response to the incident, various Hindu organisations called for a voluntary market shutdown on July 7. Shops remained closed as community members gathered at Masjid Square, the spot where the incident occurred, and conducted mass recitations of Hanuman Chalisa and Sunderkand, invoking Lord Hanuman and seeking peace and justice.
“We believe in peace, but this was an attack on our faith. Burning the ‘Om’ symbol and ‘Hindu Rashtra’ banner is no less than an insult to our identity,” said Neelam Dubey, a protester participating in the prayers.
The protesters also demanded strict legal action against the accused under the National Security Act (NSA), highlighting their deep concern over repeated instances of religious provocation.
Police Respond, Four Arrested
Following the protests, the Ratlam police acted. According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rakesh Khakha, the viral video was immediately taken up for investigation. He confirmed that four individuals involved in the incident, along with the organiser of the Muharram procession, have been identified and arrested.
The police have also confirmed that security has been heightened to prevent any escalation or retaliatory violence. Senior officials are monitoring the situation closely.
The incident has also sparked a fresh debate over what many Hindu groups allege is a pattern of selective outrage and political silence in cases where Hindu symbols or sentiments are insulted. Several netizens have pointed out the lack of strong condemnation from political leaders who are otherwise vocal about minority concerns.
“What would have happened if the reverse had occurred? If someone had insulted Muslim religious symbols, we know how the reactions would have played out. Why is this double standard acceptable?” wrote Jitendra Pratap Singh, a social media user whose post about the incident went viral.
