Clashes Erupt During Hanuman Jayanti Procession in Guna; Stones Thrown, Minor Injured
Tensions flared in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna on Saturday as clashes broke out during a Hanuman Jayanti procession near a mosque. Stones were thrown, and at least one minor was injured.
Violent clashes erupted between two groups in Guna district on Saturday evening during a Hanuman Jayanti procession led by BJP councillor Omprakash Kushwah. The violence reportedly began when the procession, with loud DJ music, stopped outside a mosque around 8 pm, triggering an argument with those gathered for evening prayers.
Soon after, stone-pelting ensued from both sides, escalating the situation rapidly. The police responded immediately and the situation was brought under control later that night. Visuals from the scene showed officers using batons to disperse the crowd and stone-throwing targeting police personnel.
Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Sinha confirmed that peace had been restored and police presence remained strong. “We got information about the throwing of stones during a Hanuman Jayanti procession. Peace and order was slightly affected for some time,” the local administration stated in an official release.
The statement added, “At present, there is complete peace and order in the area. People are requested not to pay attention to any kind of rumours.”
The violence also left BJP councillor Kushwah’s 11-year-old son, Akul, injured. A formal complaint was filed following the incident.
Cleric Atish Farooq of the mosque alleged that the violence was provoked by individuals in the procession., he claimed the administration acted in a biased manner by lodging an FIR without hearing both sides. Farooq also maintained that the first stone was thrown from the Hindu locality and denied that stones were thrown from the mosque itself.
He said only broken tiles were flung in retaliation and insisted that the mosque-goers were provoked deliberately.
Following the violence, members of Hindu groups blocked a main road and surrounded the City Kotwali police station, raising slogans against the administration and demanding justice. Videos circulating on social media captured chaotic scenes of the confrontation and the heavy police response.
The incident in Guna reflects a growing pattern of tension during religious processions across several Indian states, especially when routes pass sensitive or mixed-population areas. Police often face challenges in managing crowds and preventing communal flare-ups.
The Guna district administration has assured that legal action will be taken against those responsible for disturbing peace. Authorities are appealing for calm and asking residents to refrain from sharing inflammatory content online.
Police continue to maintain a strong presence in the area to prevent any further escalation.
