Communal tension gripped Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, as an enraged crowd went berserk after rumours of stone-pelting during a Ganesh Chaturthi procession on Saturday night spread, resulting in damage to several vehicles and shops. However, the police emphasized that there was no incident of stone-pelting, nor was the idol damaged.
A large crowd allegedly became agitated after a transgender woman, identified as Kajal, claimed that a stone had been thrown at the procession, hitting a participant in the Mochipura area.
The situation escalated as around 500 people gathered outside Station Road police station, demanding action against the unidentified person responsible for the stone-throwing. As police officers attempted to investigate the scene, the crowd followed them, and further stone-pelting reportedly occurred.
This resulted in damage to police vehicles and forced the authorities to respond with mild force, including the use of tear gas, to disperse the mob.
Police reinforcements from neighbouring Jaora town and Dhar district were called in to bring the situation under control. The police later confirmed that no damage had been done to the Ganesh idol, and they reviewed CCTV footage to ascertain the claims of stone-pelting. While the footage did not show any evidence of the alleged incident, police assured the public that the investigation would continue.
Throughout the night, tensions remained high, and several vehicles were vandalised. By Sunday morning, police had arrested three individuals and filed a case against 13 named persons and 150 unidentified others for rioting and vandalism. Those named in the FIR, including Kajal and others involved in inciting the crowd, faced charges related to creating disorder and damaging property.
With heavy security now deployed in Ratlam, police have maintained control over the situation, although investigations are ongoing to verify the claims and assess whether any further action is necessary. The atmosphere remains tense, but no further incidents have been reported since the arrests.