Tension erupted in the Hamidpur market of Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh, following a protest by Bajrang Dal activists regarding an alleged ‘love-jihad’ incident that escalated into violence. The activists conducted demonstrations, blocked roads, and forced shops to close, leading to the deployment of heavy police forces by the local administration to restore order. The unrest stemmed from the arrest of a Muslim youth named Juber by Mahidpur police for allegedly intruding into a Hindu household in Hamidpur and attempting to molest a minor girl.
The situation intensified as Bajrang Dal activists apprehended Juber before handing him over to the police, as seen in a video circulating on social media showing him being assaulted with sticks. Juber has been charged under Section 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with the case currently under investigation. On the following day, Bajrang Dal members and other right-wing activists gathered in the market demanding strict action against Juber, who works as a driver, and called for the removal of Muslim drivers and employees from businesses. The protest took a violent turn, resulting in arson and damage to multiple shops and properties.
Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma of Ujjain stated that additional forces were deployed to maintain order and emphasized that those disrupting law and order would face consequences. Despite the tense atmosphere in Hamidpur market, authorities assured that the situation was under control, with law and order being restored.
