Tension in Ujjain town as vehicles torched, shops vandalised stones pelted over attack on VHP leader

Miscreants allegedly pelted stones and used sticks to vandalise buses parked at the bus stand in Tarana. (Courtesy: X)

• Attack on VHP leader in Ujjain led to communal violence and widespread vandalism
• Over 15 buses and a dozen cars damaged during unrest in Tarana town
• Police arrested five suspects and imposed prohibitory orders to restore order

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An attack on a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader escalated into communal violence in Ujjain's Tarana town, resulting in widespread vandalism, arson, and an extensive police crackdown over two days.

The violence first broke out on Thursday night when Sohal Thakur Bundela, local head of VHP's Gau Seva Prakoshtha, was allegedly assaulted by a group of men from the minority community following a verbal exchange.

According to reports, Thakur was standing near a temple when Eshan Mirza and his associates allegedly approached and questioned him, sparking an argument. The situation quickly escalated and Thakur was reportedly attacked from behind. The VHP city head and his associate, Rajat Thakur, suffered serious injuries and were initially taken to Tarana hospital before being referred to Ujjain due to their critical condition.

Soon after the news of the assault spread, tensions gripped the town. By evening, miscreants allegedly resorted to stone-pelting and used sticks to vandalise buses parked at the bus stand, causing extensive damage. Videos of the incident later surfaced on social media.

Officials said the violence resulted in widespread damage to both public and private property, with around 15 buses damaged and more than a dozen cars vandalised during the unrest. A case has been filed against the attackers, and prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS have been enforced across Tarana.

However, tensions reignited after Friday prayers around afternoon when armed groups from both sides came face to face, overwhelming the local police force. Additional police personnel from five to ten stations across the district had to be deployed to bring the situation under control.

Police arrested five individuals in connection with the assault. However, the arrests triggered protests outside the Tarana police station by supporters of the injured VHP leader, who demanded that the accused be paraded publicly and that their homes be demolished.