Madhya Pradesh: Attack on Jain Monks Sparks Outrage and Protests
Click to start listening
Synopsis
An alarming incident in Madhya Pradesh, where Jain seers were brutally attacked in Singoli, has led to widespread condemnation and protests. Political leaders are demanding accountability and swift justice, highlighting concerns over law and order in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Jain monks were attacked during their pilgrimage.
- Political leaders condemn the incident as a failure of law enforcement.
- Community response included protests and demands for justice.
- Local police took swift action in arresting the assailants.
- The incident raises serious questions about security for religious figures.
Bhopal, April 14 (NationPress) The situation regarding law enforcement in Madhya Pradesh is facing intense scrutiny following a shocking incident; a violent assault on Jain monks in Singoli village, Neemuch district.
Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath and State Congress President Jitu Patwari have condemned the government, deeming these occurrences indicative of administrative shortcomings.
The prominent Congress leader took to his social media account and stated: “In the area of the Singoli police station within Neemuch district, six attackers targeted three Jain monks who had paused their pilgrimage for rest at a Hanuman temple along Singoli road late Sunday night. This despicable attack highlights the severe breakdown of law and order in the area. If even Jain monks—who embody absolute non-violence and renunciation—cannot be assured safety, it raises serious concerns regarding the security of others in the state. Immediate and robust action is essential to capture the offenders and ensure they face stringent legal consequences.”
Even though the police apprehended all six suspects and displayed them publicly, Singoli town observed a “Bandh” in response to the assault on the Jain monks.
Superintendent of Police Ankit Jaiswal reassured the public of prompt action, stating that the “arrests were executed swiftly on the evening of the attack.”
Nonetheless, the attack on the Jain monks has incited widespread denunciation, with many perceiving it as a clear sign of the state’s declining law and order.
Patwari has called for the removal of the SP and Collector, holding them accountable for the event.
According to police reports, the assault involved six miscreants who targeted “three Jain monks —Shailesh Muni Ji, Balbhadra Muni Ji, and Munindra Muni Ji—while they were on a pilgrimage.”
The monks had stopped at a Hanuman temple in Kachhala village for the night when the attackers, arriving on motorcycles, began consuming alcohol outside the temple.
They approached the monks, demanded money, and upon refusal, launched a violent assault on them. The injured monks initially denied medical assistance at night, postponing their treatment until Monday morning at “Jain Sthaanak Bhawan.”
The attack, executed with sticks and sharp instruments, was reportedly driven by robbery motives, according to police.
Two of the assailants were detained by locals at the site, while the remaining four escaped.
A viral “disturbing” video of one of the injured monks showcased severe wounds, including deep cuts on his back and shoulders. The Jain community responded with a silent march and submitted a memorandum demanding strict action against the offenders on Monday evening.
The police confirmed that the accused hail from Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari shared a video of the injured monks on social media, condemning the incident as a shocking act of brutality against followers of Lord Mahaveer.
He charged the ruling BJP administration with creating an environment where drug abuse and lawlessness are rampant, ultimately jeopardizing even revered saints.
Patwari called for urgent measures to guarantee the safety of religious figures across the state and demanded a thorough investigation into the Singoli assault.
The incident also underscored the courage of one monk who ran to the road seeking help from a passing motorcyclist, who alerted the Jain community.
Villagers from Kachhala responded quickly, causing four of the attackers to flee while capturing two.
Police, led by SP Ankit Jaiswal, arrived promptly and registered an FIR. The SP is also seen appealing for maintaining calm as investigations proceed in a video.
