Ujjain: A violent incident in the Tarana area of Ujjain district has sparked tension and unrest after Bajrang Dal member Sohel Thakur was seriously assaulted on the evening of January 22, prompting heavy police deployment and heightened communal concern.
#WATCH | Ujjain: Victim Sohel Thakur, who is a Bajrang Dal member, claims, "I was sitting outside the Sangh office at a hotel when 10-15 boys approached me. They directly hit me on the forehead with a rod, causing me to become dizzy and faint. My brothers ran over… seeing them,… https://t.co/AoSA1POmQK pic.twitter.com/oJuL3OWMWw
— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2026
According to Thakur, he was sitting outside the Sangh office at a hotel when 10–15 youths approached him and struck him on the forehead with a rod, causing him to feel dizzy and lose consciousness. He said his brothers rushed to his aid, causing the assailants to flee the scene.
Thakur claimed the attack was not random but a targeted assault due to his past involvement in preventing cases related to what he described as “love jihad”, as well as his participation in a Basant Panchami program the day before. He further alleged that the attackers were involved in illegal activities such as selling marijuana, MDMA, and cow smuggling, and that a plan to kill him had been in motion for some time.
The attack quickly escalated into broader unrest when members of Hindu groups gathered at the local police station. Madhya Pradesh Police deployed additional forces to the area to restore order. Police Superintendent Pradeep Sharma stated that the situation was brought under control and that an investigation into the incident was ongoing. Authorities also imposed Section 144 in the Tarana area to restrict assembly and prevent further disorder. The assault has generated strong reactions from local groups, with calls for strict action against those responsible. Meanwhile, Thakur remains under medical care following the attack.
