Jabalpur stone-pelting: Youth 'vandalises' temple grill during Aarti, clashes break out between groups; police deployed

JABALPUR: Tension gripped Sihora area of Jabalpur on Thursday late night after a youth allegedly vandalised grills of a Durga temple, leading to clashes and stone-pelting between two groups. A heavy police force was deployed to bring the situation under control.

The incident was reported from Ward No. 5 in Azad Chowk area. According to police, the incident occurred around 9 pm when Aarti was underway at the temple and namaz was being offered at a mosque located opposite the shrine. Officials said a youth allegedly damaged the grill of the temple, leading to an altercation.


Locals claimed the youth was assaulted following the incident, after which members of both sides gathered and stone-pelting began. The clash reportedly lasted about 10 minutes before the police intervened.

Senior superintendent of police Sampat Upadhyay said teams from Sihora, Khitauli and Gosalpur police stations rushed to the spot. Additional reinforcements were scrambled from Jabalpur to prevent further escalation. "Additional forces have been deployed in the area and the situation is now under control. A few tear gas shells were lobbed to control the mob," the officer said.

Police said an investigation was underway.