What Happened When a Ravana Effigy Was Set Ablaze in Bhopal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The effigy of Ravana was deliberately set on fire hours before the Dussehra celebration in Bhopal.
- The incident raised serious public safety concerns.
- Local authorities are investigating the act, which appears to be intentional.
- The community is determined to uphold the spirit of Dussehra despite the disruption.
- Residents have demanded accountability and action against the perpetrators.
Bhopal, Oct 2 (NationPress) In a startling turn of events, festive preparations in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal were thrown into chaos on Thursday morning as unknown individuals ignited a Ravana effigy just hours ahead of the much-anticipated Dussehra celebration.
The incident unfolded around 6 am at the Baghmugallia Extension ground, the venue earmarked for a grand Ravana Dahan ceremony organized by the Atal Dussehra Utsav Committee.
State Minister Krishna Gaur was slated to attend the evening festivities.
Witnesses reported that a young man, seemingly intoxicated and driving a shiny red car without a license plate, had been cruising the area with a group of girls before abruptly setting the effigy on fire.
Following the act, the group fled the scene, leaving behind shocked spectators and a partially burned effigy.
A video capturing the effigy engulfed in flames has since gone viral on social media, igniting outrage among locals and festival organizers, who expressed their dismay over this disruption of a culturally significant event.
The Ravana Dahan was planned for later that evening, and this early incineration has not only marred the celebration but has also raised serious questions regarding public safety and security measures.
The Dussehra Utsav Samiti promptly alerted the police, who have since initiated an investigation.
Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and social media posts to identify the individuals responsible. Preliminary findings suggest that the act was intentional, aimed at sabotaging the event.
Local residents have expressed strong disapproval, labeling the incident as an affront to tradition and a violation of communal harmony.
The committee has called for stringent action against the perpetrators. The police assured that they are committed to tracking down the suspects and ensuring justice is served.
Despite this setback, organizers are striving to revive the festive atmosphere, considering the construction of a new effigy in time for the evening's ceremony.
While the incident has cast a pall over the celebrations, the community remains resolute in preserving the spirit of Dussehra.