Violence Mars Hanuman Jayanti Celebration in MP’s Guna; 9 Arrested Including Key Accused
Tensions escalated during a religious procession in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday evening, resulting in violent clashes between two groups. The incident took place during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations when a disagreement over the procession’s route led to a confrontation and stone pelting, injuring several people.
As per officials, nine individuals have been arrested so far, including the main accused named in the complaint. Authorities have since brought the situation under control.
Dispute Over DJ Music Triggers Unrest Near Mosque
The trouble reportedly began when a Hanuman Jayanti procession—organized annually—reached near a mosque located in the Colonelganj area of Guna. Members of the procession were playing music on a DJ system, a common feature of such religious events. However, objections were raised by individuals near the mosque, allegedly demanding that the music be stopped as the procession was nearing their religious site.
According to eyewitnesses and the complaint submitted to the police, some people, including an individual identified as Vicky Pathan, confronted the procession near the mosque. He was accompanied by two to three others. They asked the organizers to halt the DJ music. When the participants objected to the interruption, the situation escalated quickly.
Stone Pelting Injures Nearly a Dozen Participants
Moments after the altercation, stones were allegedly thrown from the direction of the mosque and nearby houses at the procession. Panic ensued as people scrambled for cover. At least a dozen individuals are reported to have sustained injuries in the sudden attack. Video clips circulated online showed chaos, with people fleeing and members of the procession attempting to shield one another from the stone pelting.
Following the incident, the Hindu group participating in the procession approached the local police station and filed a formal complaint regarding the violence and obstruction of the religious celebration.
FIR Registered; Multiple Sections Invoked Under BNS
A First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Omprakash Kushwaha, a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader who was heading the procession. In his complaint, he named four key individuals—Vicky Khan, Amin Khan, Guddu Khan—and mentioned 15 to 20 unnamed others as responsible for the violence.
Based on the complaint, the police registered an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), India’s new criminal code. These include Sections 109, 296, 324(4), 125, 191 (2-3), 190, and 115 (2), which pertain to unlawful assembly, causing hurt, intentional insult, and disruption of religious ceremonies.
District Magistrate Kishor Kumar Kunyal confirmed the registration of the FIR and stated that the situation in the area has since been normalized. “The administration took immediate action, and nine people have been arrested, including the main accused. We are continuously monitoring the area to ensure peace is maintained,” he said.
Timeline of the Incident
The Hanuman Jayanti procession, which is an annual event in Guna, began as usual at 4 PM from Shivaji Nagar Mata Mandir. The turnout included around 100 participants, accompanied by music and chants.
As the procession moved through various neighborhoods, it reached the Colonelganj mosque area by 7:45 PM. That is where the confrontation took place. According to the complaint, a group led by Vicky Pathan arrived and asked that the DJ system be turned off as the procession was nearing the mosque.
When members of the procession objected to stopping the music, stones were allegedly hurled at them. Eyewitnesses claimed that the pelting came not only from the mosque vicinity but also from adjacent homes, indicating possible premeditated planning.
Swift Police Response Prevents Further Escalation
Local police teams reached the spot shortly after receiving distress calls. They dispersed the crowd and provided medical assistance to the injured. Additional forces were deployed in the area to prevent the situation from worsening.
Senior officers conducted flag marches in the locality the next morning to reassure residents and maintain peace. Police have also been reviewing CCTV footage and videos captured by locals to identify more suspects involved in the violence.
Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar stated, “We are thoroughly investigating all aspects of the case. More arrests are likely as evidence is verified. No one involved in creating communal disharmony will be spared.”
Political Leaders Call for Calm, Blame Game Begins
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from political circles. While BJP leaders have condemned the attack on the procession, accusing the administration of not providing adequate security, leaders from the minority community have urged for restraint and demanded an impartial investigation.
Omprakash Kushwaha, the BJP leader who led the procession, said, “This was a peaceful religious celebration. We were not provoking anyone. The attack was unprovoked and targeted. We demand strict punishment for all those involved.”
On the other hand, some local community representatives have alleged that the DJ music near the mosque was intentionally played at high volume to disturb prayers. “There should be mutual respect for all religious sentiments. But violence is never the answer. We appeal for peace and cooperation from all sides,” a resident told the media.
Hanuman Jayanti Processions Face Scrutiny in Several States
This incident in Guna is not isolated. Over the years, similar processions during Hanuman Jayanti or Ram Navami have witnessed disruptions in various parts of India, particularly when routes pass through religiously sensitive areas.
Law and order experts emphasize the need for pre-approved routes, community dialogues, and coordination between organizers and local administration to avoid such clashes. They also highlight the role of social media in spreading misinformation and escalating tensions rapidly.
Current Situation in Guna
As of now, the situation in Guna remains calm but tense. Police and administrative officials are keeping a close watch. Educational institutions and markets have reopened, but with enhanced security in certain localities.
Authorities have appealed to the public not to believe in rumors and have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities. Peace committee meetings have been held with members from both communities to foster trust and avoid further flare-ups.
The clash during the Hanuman Jayanti procession in Guna has once again underscored the fragile communal balance in certain parts of the country. While religious celebrations are an integral part of Indian culture, ensuring they are conducted with mutual respect and proper planning remains a collective responsibility.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. With nine arrests made and more expected, authorities hope to send a clear message against those attempting to disrupt social harmony. Meanwhile, residents of Guna look forward to a peaceful resolution and a return to normalcy.
