CommunalClash – Stone-Pelting Incident Sparks Tension in Jabalpur Town
CommunalClash – Tension briefly gripped a town in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district after a disagreement between two groups escalated into stone-pelting near a religious site. Swift intervention by district authorities and police personnel prevented the situation from spiralling further, officials confirmed.
Dispute Reported in Sensitive Market Area
The incident took place in Shihora town, considered communally sensitive, within the limits of Jabalpur district. According to local officials, the confrontation unfolded in the busy Azad Chowk market area, where a Durga temple and a mosque stand in close proximity to each other.
Preliminary information suggests that the dispute began over the use of a public address system during evening prayers. What initially appeared to be a minor disagreement between members of the two communities quickly intensified, leading to stone-pelting from both sides. The sudden unrest caused panic among shopkeepers and residents in the area, many of whom temporarily shut their establishments as a precaution.
Rapid Deployment of Police and Administrative Teams
Senior officers from the district administration and police department arrived at the location shortly after receiving reports of the clash. A substantial police force was deployed to disperse the crowd and restore calm.
Collector Raghavendra Singh stated that authorities acted promptly to contain the disturbance. He assured that no major injuries were reported and that the situation was brought under control within a few hours. Officials continue to monitor the area to prevent any further escalation.
Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay said the tension arose from a minor disagreement but intensified due to heightened sensitivities at the religious site. As a preventive measure, additional security personnel have been stationed in and around the market area to maintain order and reassure residents.
Investigation Underway Through CCTV Review
Authorities have begun reviewing CCTV footage installed in nearby shops and public spaces to identify individuals involved in stone-pelting and alleged vandalism. Police sources confirmed that more than a dozen suspects have been detained for questioning.
Search operations are ongoing to trace others who may have played a role in triggering or spreading unrest. Officials clarified that no significant damage was caused to any religious structure during the incident.
Administration Warns Against Rumours
In the aftermath of the clash, district authorities issued a firm advisory urging citizens not to circulate unverified information on social media platforms. The administration cautioned that misinformation could inflame tensions and disrupt communal harmony.
Collector Singh appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. He emphasised the importance of relying solely on official statements for accurate updates.
Police officials have also intensified surveillance on social media channels to track and counter misleading content related to the incident. Community leaders from both sides have been contacted to promote dialogue and ensure peace in the area.
Situation Stable, Security Remains Tight
By late evening, normalcy had largely returned to Shihora, though a visible security presence remains in place as a precautionary measure. Markets reopened gradually, and routine activities resumed under police watch.
Authorities reiterated that maintaining peace and communal harmony remains their top priority. With investigations continuing and preventive steps in force, officials expressed confidence that the situation will remain stable in the coming days.