Attack by right-wing org: Vigilby cops, uneasy quiet in Old City

Bhopal: An uneasy calm prevailed across the old city during Friday prayers as thousands gathered at major mosques under heavy police deployment, with conversations at tea stalls, markets and among shopkeepers revolving around the recent assault on a Muslim youth and fears of fresh unrest. Though prayers concluded peacefully without any untoward incident, an undercurrent of tension remained visible across sensitive pockets of the city.

The atmosphere in the old city turned tense since Sunday, when activists linked to right-wing groups allegedly caught a youth and a woman at a hotel and assaulted the Muslim youth, smearing his face with ink and cow dung. The incident triggered outrage, and by Monday night, large crowds gathered in parts of the old city demanding immediate arrests. AIMIM leaders also warned of protests if action was delayed. Police later arrested five accused and intensified security arrangements ahead of Friday prayers.

On Friday, additional police were deployed outside major mosques including Taj-ul-Masajid, Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid and Peer Gate area. Barricades were placed at several intersections while police vehicles continuously patrolled narrow lanes of the old city. Some shopkeepers downed shutters as a precaution, while others chose to keep businesses running but remained watchful.

Speaking to TOI on condition of anonymity, several residents condemned the assault incident and said the city needed peace, not confrontation. “Whatever happened was wrong and cannot be justified at any cost,” one resident said. Another added, “All we need is justice and that these ‘Chintus’ should be punished in such a manner that nobody in the future dares to take policing into their own hands.”

“Nobody wants riots and chaos, all we need is peace,” said Md Salil, reflecting the mood among many locals.

Amid the tension, stories of coexistence also emerged. Deepak Kumar, who has been running a juice cart for nearly 25 years opposite Madaar Domni Mosque, said daily life around the mosque remained largely unchanged. “The worshippers came today as usual, just like they did before all this started,” he said. “All we need is good intention. If your intentions are right, no harm will come to you.”