Indore: A woman is among the six individuals arrested by Madhya Pradesh police for hurling inflammable substances, including a petrol bomb, at two mosques and a dargah in Indore, in a criminal case is believed to target the Muslim community.
The accused have been identified as Lucky Jagdale (18), Jitendra Khetkar (22), Ayush Wagh (23), Nayan Jadam (22), Satyam Mathe (19), and Khushi Chattani (18), revealed Deputy Commissioner of Police Aditya Mishra during a press conference. Another individual, whose age is being verified, has been taken into custody for further investigation.
Jagdale, one of the main accused, has a history of criminal activities and is already facing three criminal cases, including one for murder.
According to DCP Mishra, the group of accused individuals became acquainted with each other at a local cafe in the Bhanwarkuan area of the city. It is yet to be determined whether the attacks were part of a larger conspiracy or merely an act of mischief.
“The accused became friends with each other at a cafe in the Bhanwarkuan area of the city and two of them were relatives. It is yet to be ascertained whether the accused threw inflammable substances at religious places as part of some conspiracy or mischief. Detailed interrogation is underway,” Mishra said.
The incident, which occurred on August 5, has prompted a thorough investigation, with law enforcement officials examining the suspects' mobile phones, social media accounts, and any other relevant information to ascertain their motives.
The police have booked the accused under Sections 295-A (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 153-A (promoting enmity between different religious groups) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, the Explosive Substances Act will also be invoked, given the use of a petrol bomb during the attacks.
CCTV footage from the targeted sites has been crucial in piecing together the sequence of events, with authorities working to gather evidence and ensure a comprehensive probe.