MP: At Least 13 Arrested In Mhow Violence Over India's Victory Celebration After Stone Pelting In Jama Masjid Area

Communal violence broke out in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday (9 March) night following stone-throwing incidents at a rally held to celebrate India's ICC Champions Trophy win. This led to the detention of a minimum of 13 individuals, according to India Today.

Officials have promised stringent measures against those implicated in the incident, which is currently under control. To identify the culprits behind the violence, police are examining CCTV recordings and mobile video clips.

Police reports indicate that a victory rally was arranged by a set of cricket enthusiasts in Mhow to commemorate India's triumph over New Zealand. Unfortunately, the situation turned chaotic when they crossed the Jama Masjid area, as an extensive crowd purportedly started pelting stones. This sudden turmoil forced the rally participants to scatter and leave their motorcycles behind.

Following this, the situation escalated as two stores, along with several deserted motorcycles and cars, were set ablaze, further heightening the tensions.

Certain accounts have indicated that the root of the violence was a confrontation near a mosque, where a disagreement over firecrackers arose between rally attendees and another group.

This conflict intensified into physical fights and stone-throwing incidents. Nonetheless, the police have assured a comprehensive investigation will be carried out to ascertain the precise origin of these clashes.

In a particular video, an unidentified group, masked, was observed brandishing sticks and hurling stones. Action under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) will also be taken against certain accused.

"Peace has been restored, and no one involved in the violence will be spared. Strict action will follow," Indore Collector Ashish Singh was quoted as saying by India Today.

Officials have also issued warnings against the dissemination of rumors or provocative messages on social media, alerting to legal repercussions for individuals participating in these actions.

The town was engulfed in widespread fear following the conflicts, prompting immediate action from the police to reinstate tranquility. Law enforcement agencies continue to maintain a state of heightened vigilance to avert additional disruptions. To curb any more potential violence and regain control of the situation, military troops have been stationed in the impacted zones.