The Imam of a local mosque in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh District, who intervened in an altercation between a Muslim tailor and a group of youth from the Hindu community, was thrashed in the melee, spreading the report of the Imam being beaten to gather men from both sides to confront each other face-to-face.
The situation intensified when the Imam intervened to halt the assault on the tailor, only to be allegedly pushed by the assailants. News of the Imam's assault spread rapidly, leading to gatherings of concerned Muslim individuals at a local police station, demanding swift action against the perpetrators.
Tensions escalated further with the circulation of a video on social media depicting a police officer confronting an aggressive crowd outside the police station. In the video, the officer warned the crowd to disperse, asserting that the police would handle the situation firmly if necessary.
However, prompt intervention by the police helped quell the unrest, preventing any further escalation of violence. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav issued directives to the police to swiftly address the situation and ensure the perpetrators faced legal consequences.
Subsequently, four individuals allegedly involved in the assault on the tailor and the Imam were booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The police assured the public of a thorough investigation into the matter and emphasized that those responsible for instigating violence would be held accountable.
In response to the incident, Chief Minister Yadav ordered a magisterial inquiry to delve into the root causes of the altercation and prevent similar incidents in the future. Damoh Superintendent of Police, Sandeep Sharma, affirmed that the situation was under control, with no further disputes reported in the region in the past 24 hours.
SP Sharma reiterated that individuals resorting to vigilantism would face legal repercussions, underscoring the importance of upholding the rule of law in maintaining communal harmony in the region. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant to prevent any resurgence of tensions and ensure justice for the victims of the assault.
“Four persons mainly responsible for the situation have been booked under Sections 294, 323, 506, 427 and 34 of IPC. Further investigation in the matter is underway,” Sharma added.