Guna (Madhya Pradesh): Tension erupted in Madhya Pradesh's Guna on Saturday evening after stones were pelted during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in the Karnailganj area. The incident occurred around 7:30 pm, prompting immediate deployment of police and administrative personnel near the site, which was close to a mosque. Authorities confirmed that the situation was swiftly brought under control. "Peace and order was slightly affected for some time, but with prompt action by the administration, the area is now calm. We urge citizens not to believe in any kind of rumours," a statement from the local administration said.
Police have arrested nine individuals in connection with the incident so far. Guna Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Sinha confirmed that the situation is now under control. Additional police personnel remain stationed in the area as a precautionary measure.
Main accused Vicky Pathan arrested
The main accused in the incident, Vicky Pathan, has been arrested by the police. According to local sources, Vicky is an active member of the Congress party and had previously contested the municipal elections from Ward 6. Following his arrest, Vicky's wife Najma alleged that police personnel assaulted her husband and their son before picking them up from their house at night. Najma further said that if her husband and son were not released, she would take her own life. Najma said that Vicky had no role in the violence and that he had once contested as a councillor from their locality.
Scindia steps in, reviews situation
Soon after the incident, Union Civil Aviation Minister and local MP Jyotiraditya Scindia took note and spoke to senior officials, including the SP, to assess the situation. He directed them to maintain peace and ensure that strict action is taken against those responsible for the violence.
Procession disrupted by dispute
Sources indicated that a dispute between two groups during the Hanuman Jayanti Shobha Yatra led to the stone pelting. While the exact cause of the confrontation is still under review, officials stressed that no major injuries or property damage were reported.
The festival of Hanuman Jayanti was being observed across various parts of the state with traditional religious processions and gatherings. Authorities have reiterated that normalcy has returned in the affected area and that security measures will continue to be in place to prevent any untoward incident.
(With PTI inputs)
