Ujjain, Jan 23 (NationPress) A minimum of 20 individuals have been detained following communal unrest that sparked from a confrontation in Tarana town, situated approximately 35 km from Ujjain, as reported by Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma on Friday.

The police have implemented stringent security measures throughout Tarana, conducting flag marches to ensure tranquility. Numerous police vehicles are actively patrolling the area.

In response to the situation, the Ujjain district administration has enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

“To date, 20 suspects have been recognized and apprehended. Concurrently, police units are engaging with representatives from both communities. The current situation is stable, but security has been heightened to prevent further disturbances,” Sharma stated.

Authorities added that some individuals are attempting to incite fear through rumors. Police are monitoring events and reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible for the communal disturbances.

“We are making announcements via loudspeakers in neighborhoods, encouraging residents not to heed rumors. Police units are prepared to tackle emerging challenges, and traffic flow in the impacted areas has resumed,” he noted.

Reports indicate that the unrest originated after a group allegedly assaulted two individuals, one believed to be affiliated with a Hindu organization, over a minor disagreement in Tarana town on Thursday night.

Unidentified assailants reportedly attacked a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) preacher and his associate, leaving both victims seriously injured and requiring treatment in Ujjain.

In retaliation, members of right-wing groups on Friday shouted religious slogans and damaged nearly a dozen buses at the local bus depot. At least six individuals sustained injuries during the altercation.

Further tension arose in Tarana following ‘namaz’ on Friday, with a mob reportedly setting buses ablaze, vandalizing shops, and throwing stones, necessitating a significant police presence to restore order. The unrest began with a minor dispute over yielding to a bus on January 22, escalating into inter-community tensions, vandalism, and arson.

On Friday, conditions worsened as unknown rioters allegedly ignited two buses and incited fear through vandalism and stone-throwing. Police promptly intervened to stabilize the situation, officials reported.

SP Sharma informed the media that a case of attempted murder has been filed against six individuals, urging the public to uphold peace and assuring that strict actions are being taken against those implicated.

According to SP Sharma, the incident was triggered by an attack on Sohel Thakur, who was ambushed from behind by a group of youths, sustaining severe head injuries and was referred to Ujjain for further medical care.

Based on his report, police initiated a case of attempted murder against six suspects—Sappan Mirza, Ishaan Mirza, Shadab alias Idli, Salman Mirza, Rizwan Mirza, and Naved. Five suspects have already been arrested, while four others are under investigation.

The SP confirmed that the condition of the injured individual is stable.

Previously, communal unrest flared in Tarana tehsil after an assault on a VHP-Bajrang Dal worker. Protesters vandalized around a dozen buses parked at the bus terminal, leading to increased police deployment to maintain order.

In light of the unrest, a large police contingent was stationed in the town, with continuous patrolling of sensitive areas. The situation escalated on Thursday evening as the dispute turned violent.

Markets remained shuttered on Friday, with a significant police presence maintained in the vicinity. Police persist in appealing to the public to foster peace.