In a disturbing series of incidents reported from various parts of India, tension and violence have marred the aftermath of celebrations related to the Ram Temple event. Here is an in-depth look at the unsettling events:
Mira Road, Maharashtra: Communal Clash Leads to Arrests
The Naya Nagar area of Mira Road, Maharashtra, witnessed two consecutive incidents on Sunday and Monday, resulting in the arrest of 13 individuals. The initial First Information Report (FIR) included charges under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), 295A (malicious acts to outrage religious feelings), and others. Videos circulating on social media platforms depict violent clashes between two communities, with one particularly alarming video showing a youth in saffron attire waving a firearm during a procession. The police are actively investigating and verifying the authenticity of these videos.
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Controversy Surrounding Hateful Song
In the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, a video surfaced on social media featuring a hateful song played in Narhi, Hazratganj, allegedly during a procession celebrating the Ram Temple event. The FIR registered in connection with this incident cites IPC 294 (singing, reciting, or uttering any obscene song in public). Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the song, which has added to the growing concerns about the post-celebration fallout.
Vadodara, Gujarat: Stones Pelted on Procession Heighten Tensions
In Vadodara, Gujarat, tensions escalated as stones were reportedly pelted at a procession in Bhoj village, Padra taluka. The situation was brought under control by police personnel accompanying the procession. Vadodara SP Rohan Anand stated that a combing operation has been initiated to apprehend those responsible for the stone-pelting. The village was already on edge leading up to the procession, reflecting the heightened emotions surrounding the celebrations.
Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh: Saffron Flag on Church Raises Concerns
A disturbing incident unfolded in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, where a group of men climbed a church and planted a saffron flag on the Christian cross. The saffron flag depicted an image of the Ayodhya Ram Temple with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ inscribed on it. The incident occurred a day before the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony, sparking concerns about communal harmony. The pastor of the church, Narbu Amaliyar, reported that the group arrived after Sunday prayers, shouting slogans. As of now, no FIR has been registered, as no formal complaint has been lodged.
Telangana: Ruckus at Mosque, Shop Set Ablaze
In Telangana’s Narayanpet district, a procession celebrating the Ram Temple consecration reached Madina Masjid in Kosgi town. Blaring music from their DJ system, the procession reportedly burned crackers in front of the mosque, with some individuals throwing sandals into the mosque premises. While seven individuals have been named in the FIR, no arrests have been made so far. The situation intensified as the local Muslim community filed a complaint with the police after the procession left.
Simultaneously, tensions escalated in Telangana’s Sangareddy district, where a shop owned by a Muslim fruit vendor was allegedly set on fire. The incident unfolded after unknown individuals threw a shoe at a procession, prompting a one-hour roadblock by the agitated mob. Subsequently, the mob set fire to the vendor’s shop. Police officials from Jinnaram police station reported filing cases against unknown members of both communities involved in the incidents.
Bihar: Graveyard Fire Sparks Controversy
In Khirma village, Bihar’s Darbhanga district, a procession celebrating the Ram Temple event allegedly threw a firecracker into a Muslim graveyard, leading to a swift spread of fire within the premises. The SHO of Keoti police station, Rani Kumari, stated that the fire was contained, and an FIR was filed. The FIR named 12 individuals and 50-100 unknown individuals, but as of now, no arrests have been made. A viral video captured the intensity of the fire, further emphasizing the gravity of the incident.
Kalaburgi, Karnataka: Stone Pelting and Ambedkar Statue Defacement
Multiple skirmishes erupted in Karnataka’s Kalaburgi district, adding to the post-celebration unrest. In Kotnoor village, an Ambedkar statue was defaced with a garland of footwear, leading to heightened protests by Dalit organizations. Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanika Sikriwal intervened to pay floral tributes to Ambedkar statues, aiming to pacify protestors. Earlier in the day, stone pelting and a quarrel erupted between members of two communities over a procession celebrating the inauguration in Wadi town, Chittapur taluk. In response, a prohibitory order under Section 144 has been imposed in Wadi until January 25.
The incidents in the aftermath of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya seem to hint at the motives and mood of the majoritarian Indian populace which has displayed uninhibited rancour towards those that it deems the ‘descendants of invaders’ hence not valid citizens.
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