A terrifying wave of violence erupted in Mhow, a town in Madhya Pradesh, following celebrations of the Indian cricket team's Champions Trophy victory. At the Patti Bazaar crossroad, miscreants indulged in heavy stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism. In the chaos, Radhe Kaushal's household was attacked, injuring his 80-year-old mother, and the medical shop beneath was set ablaze. The rampage persisted for about one and a half to two hours, with targets including vehicles, shops, and homes.
On a Sunday, a rally celebrating India's win was underway in Mhow as a 'Tiranga Yatra'. According to local shopkeeper Radhe Kaushal, the rally reached near a mosque close to the Patti Bazaar, drawing a crowd of 500-700 people. Tensions escalated after an argument with the rally's participants, which was initially controlled by police. However, merely 10-15 minutes after the police left, the crowd reignited hostilities.
The miscreants hurled stones that reached Radhe Kaushal's home, with large stones falling into his bedroom and injuring his elderly mother’s knee.
Radhe Kaushal mentioned, "The stone-pelting continued for nearly two hours. Attempts were made to enter the house, clothes were set on fire, the medical shop below and vehicles were burned. Not a single policeman was present during this ordeal."
He also accused the mob of shouting provocative and inflammatory slogans. Explosions were heard, spreading fear among the family.
Now, the signs of the violent night are evident at the Patti Bazaar Crossroad in Mhow. Radhe Kaushal’s home reveals strewn stones on the balcony and bedroom, while shattered windows adorn the house across the street. Vandalized and burnt vehicles, including a red bike, tell a tale of chaos.
The local community feels that the delay by police emboldened the aggressors. Radhe’s mother recounted, "I was sleeping when a stone hit my leg. We were consumed by fear for about an hour and a half."
Grave Allegations and Demands
Radhe Kaushal alleged that not only was violence committed, but inflammatory slogans were chanted, further inciting unrest. He lamented, "In the past 40 years, I've never witnessed such a heinous riot. Riots happened before, but now the situation has deteriorated."
The family demands that the aggressors' homes be bulldozed. Radhe mentioned, "We won't leave our home. It's either them or us. The perpetrators must be punished."
Questions on Police Absence
The family and locals allege that despite the chaos lasting one to two hours, police presence was absent. Radhe shared that three to four officers were present, but they focused on saving themselves. Even their duty vehicle was set on fire. The delay by police allowed vandalism and fear to magnify in the area.
As dawn broke on Monday, the aftermath of the violence became evident. Broken windows, burnt vehicles, and scattered stones narrated the horror of the previous night. The police have now deployed substantial forces in the area and initiated investigations. This event not only raises questions on law and order but also poses a threat to social harmony.
Radhe Kaushal remarked, "If this can happen to us while we live here, anything can happen now. Normal life, as it was, seems improbable." This incident has instilled a lasting fear in the family. The local community now demands strict action and security.
Arson near Jama Masjid and Duck Colony
Speaking with 'Aaj Tak', people from another community mentioned they had just returned from prayers when the crowd, surging through the neighborhood shouting slogans, began vandalizing and setting shops on fire. During this time, a shop and vehicles parked outside were set ablaze. A store opened just 15 days prior for washing machine and AC repairs was vandalized, and vehicles outside were set on fire. Additionally, another shop in the area was also torched.
Residents of Mhow's Duck Colony expressed that they, too, had fasted and prayed for India’s victory and were joyous for Team India's win. However, their happiness was short-lived, as the violence unfolded.
13 Arrested
In connection with the clashes following the stone-pelting incident during celebrations of the ICC Champions Trophy final victory by the Indian cricket team in Mhow, 13 individuals have been arrested. The incident late Sunday night resulted in injuries to four persons.
According to the police, violence occurred in five different locations across the town of Mhow, located in Indore district, where attackers targeted three cars and several two-wheelers, setting them alight.
Indore Collector Ashish Singh reported that police have arrested 13 individuals in connection with the arson and violence in Mhow, where the situation is currently under control.
