Communal unrest grips 3 states: What happened in MP, Karnataka, Andhra

Communal tensions broke out in three states during religious events on Thursday, with the situation in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh turning volatile over alleged vandalism at a Durga temple complex, leading to stone pelting and scuffles. On the other hand, Section 144, which bans large gatherings, was imposed in Karnataka's Bagalkot after tensions flared when a Shivaji Jayanti procession was passing in front of a mosque. Around 400 km from Bagalkot, Hyderabad also witnessed a minor communal flare-up during Ramzan prayers on Thursday.

However, in all three incidents, there were no casualties, and swift police action helped bring the situation under control.

WHAT HAPPENED IN JABALPUR?

Tension flared in Jabalpur's sensitive Sihora tehsil on Thursday night after a Durga temple complex was allegedly vandalised, leading to clashes and stone-pelting between two groups. Locals said the incident happened when the evening aarti at the temple and prayers at a nearby mosque were taking place at the same time.

A youth allegedly damaged the grill of the temple, leading to an altercation. However, all hell broke loose soon, escalating into scuffles and stone pelting.

Police forces from nearby stations were rushed to the spot. Mild lathi-charge was used to disperse the protesters, even as tensions persisted on Friday. Security has been tightened in the area, with a huge police force being deployed near the temple and the mosque.

District Collector Raghavendra Singh and senior police officer Sampat Upadhyay said no religious structure was damaged and there were no reports of injuries.

Locals said the Azad Chowk area has long been considered sensitive. The issue of the aarti and namaz timings coinciding at the temple and the adjacent mosque has been an issue previously as well. Presently, the situation is under control.

- Ends