Rewa hit-and-run kills 2 Jain Sadhvis; community demands SIT, murder case
Synopsis
A hit-and-run in Rewa on 20 May killed two Jain Sadhvis on a religious foot journey and left a third on ventilator support. The community alleges the car deliberately swerved into the ascetics, has demanded a murder case and SIT probe, and is warning of a Bharat Bandh if the state fails to act.
Key Takeaways
A speeding car struck three Jain Sadhvis near the Collectorate office in Rewa on 20 May , killing two and critically injuring a third.
Sadhvi Shrutmati Mata from Sagar district died at the scene; the third Sadhvi remains on ventilator at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital , Rewa.
Driver Rashid Ali Shah fled but was arrested after a police chase.
Community organisations demand a murder case , SIT probe, CCTV preservation, and fast-track court proceedings.
Protests planned on 25 May in Bhopal , Indore , Delhi , Ahmedabad , and Mumbai ; leaders warn of a Bharat Bandh if action is not taken.
The community is also demanding a national ascetics protection policy for Jain Munis and Sadhvis on public roads.
Two Jain Sadhvis were killed and a third left critically injured on 20 May when a speeding car allegedly struck them near the Collectorate office in Rewa's Civil Lines area, Madhya Pradesh. The incident has triggered widespread protests across the state and in major cities, with the Jain community demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and registration of a murder case against the accused driver.
What Happened in Rewa
The three Sadhvis were on a religious foot journey — a customary practice for Jain ascetics — walking along the edge of the road when a car allegedly veered from the centre of the road and struck them. Sadhvi Shrutmati Mata from Sagar district died at the scene; a second Sadhvi later succumbed to her injuries. The third Sadhvi remains on ventilator support at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa, in critical condition.
The driver, identified as Rashid Ali Shah, fled the scene but was arrested following a prolonged chase by police.
Community Alleges Conspiracy, Demands Murder Case
Jain community leaders claim that available video footage shows the car deliberately swerving toward the Sadhvis rather than losing control, and have described the incident as a possible premeditated attack rather than a road accident. Organisations including Rashtriya Jain Shasan and Ekta Sangh have strongly condemned what they characterise as a direct assault on Jain ascetics.
Community representatives have formally demanded the immediate registration of a murder case against the driver, the constitution of an SIT for an impartial investigation, preservation of all relevant CCTV footage, and a fast-track court hearing for crimes targeting ascetics.
Protests Spread Across India
Peaceful demonstrations were under way in multiple cities by 25 May, with major protests planned in Bhopal, Indore, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. Community leaders have warned that if swift and firm action is not taken, they will escalate to a Bharat Bandh and Jail Bharo movement across the country.
Rajya Sabha MP Naveen Jain and senior Jain monks have expressed deep grief and appealed for justice, amplifying pressure on the state administration.
Government Response and What Comes Next
The Madhya Pradesh government has assured strict action in the case, but community leaders say assurances are insufficient without concrete steps — particularly the formation of an SIT and the upgrade of charges. Beyond the immediate case, the community is also pressing for a national ascetics protection policy and enforceable safety protocols for Jain Munis and Sadhvis during religious journeys on public roads.
This is not the first time Jain ascetics have faced road safety risks during their traditional foot journeys, but the alleged deliberate nature of this incident has sharpened calls for systemic reform. Whether the state government moves on the SIT demand will determine whether protests remain contained or escalate to a national movement.
Point of View
Yet there is no enforceable national protocol protecting them on public roads. The community's conspiracy allegation — based on video footage showing the car allegedly swerving deliberately — has not been independently verified, and law enforcement must address that claim transparently or risk deepening distrust. The Madhya Pradesh government's 'assurance of strict action' is a familiar response that has rarely translated into fast-track convictions in similar cases. If the state does not move on the SIT demand quickly, the political cost of a Bharat Bandh — with the Jain community's considerable economic influence in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra — could force the Centre's hand.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Rewa Jain Sadhvi hit-and-run case?
On 20 May, a speeding car allegedly struck three Jain Sadhvis who were on a religious foot journey near the Collectorate office in Rewa's Civil Lines area, Madhya Pradesh. Two Sadhvis died — one at the scene and one later — while the third remains critically ill on ventilator support at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa.
Who is the accused in the Rewa hit-and-run case?
The driver has been identified as Rashid Ali Shah, who fled the scene after the incident but was arrested by police following a prolonged chase. The Jain community has demanded that a murder case be registered against him.
Why is the Jain community calling it a conspiracy and not an accident?
Community leaders claim that video footage of the incident shows the car swerving from the centre of the road toward the Sadhvis, who were walking at the edge, rather than losing control accidentally. They allege this points to a deliberate act, though this characterisation has not been independently verified by investigators.
What are the Jain community's key demands?
The community is demanding registration of a murder case, formation of an SIT for an impartial probe, preservation of all CCTV footage, fast-track court proceedings for crimes against ascetics, and the introduction of a national policy to protect Jain Munis and Sadhvis during religious foot journeys on public roads.
What action has the Madhya Pradesh government taken so far?
The Madhya Pradesh government has assured strict action in the case, and the accused driver has been arrested. However, the community says these steps are insufficient and continues to press for an SIT and an upgrade of charges to murder.
