Ujjain, Jan 24 (NationPress) The town of Tarana in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district, a significant area for Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, has recently experienced disturbing communal violence over the last two days. This unrest was reportedly ignited by an attack on local Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sohal Thakur.

The violence resulted in vehicles being set ablaze, property damage, and increased tensions, which led to a robust police response and calls for serenity even late into Friday night.

Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma urged residents to refrain from disseminating rumours, inflammatory content, or any provocative images or videos across social media platforms.

He cautioned that offenders would face severe penalties under the Information Technology Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), highlighting the necessity for maintaining public order.

Authorities have detained between 15 and 20 individuals as they review CCTV footage and videos to identify those responsible.

A thorough investigation is currently in progress, according to Sharma.

The President of the Madhya Pradesh Congress, Jitu Patwari, has condemned the local administration, questioning why preventive measures were not implemented despite rising tensions a day prior.

He termed it a governmental failure and emphasized the accountability of SPs and Collectors in riot situations, stating, "Ujjain is no exception," while demanding immediate arrests.

This incident highlights the fragile nature of communal harmony in politically pivotal regions like Ujjain. The disturbances commenced on Thursday evening in Sukhla Gali, where Sohal Thakur Bundela, leader of the VHP's local cow protection unit, was reportedly assaulted by a group of youths following a verbal confrontation regarding loitering.

Sohal was injured and subsequently hospitalized after the attack. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to stone-pelting and vandalism aimed at parked vehicles near the bus stand.

Witnesses indicated that approximately 11 buses were severely damaged, alongside several cars and motorcycles, with one bus being set on fire.

Police intervened late Thursday night, initiating legal actions against the initial aggressors and enforcing prohibitory measures under Section 163 of the BNSS in the affected area.

However, on Friday afternoon, tensions flared again, especially post-prayers, as armed factions from both communities clashed.

New incidents involved stone-pelting at residences and businesses, attempts to target a place of worship, and arson late Friday night.

Reports suggest that four to six homes were affected, additional vehicles burned (including cars and possibly a timber yard linked to the unrest), with widespread clashes straining local law enforcement.

To restore order, additional police reinforcements from five to ten stations throughout the district were deployed. Authorities are actively working to stabilize the situation, maintaining prohibitory orders and closely monitoring developments to avert further escalation.