Ujjain, Jan 23 (NationPress) Tension flared up once again in the town of Tarana, located in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh, on Friday following the conclusion of 'namaz'. Reports indicate that a mob set fire to buses, vandalised shops, and engaged in stone-pelting across various locations, necessitating a substantial deployment of police forces to restore order. The unrest was triggered by a seemingly minor dispute on the night of January 22 regarding the right of way for a bus. What began as a simple argument quickly escalated into significant tension between two communities, culminating in episodes of stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson.

On Friday, the situation worsened as unidentified individuals reportedly set two buses ablaze and incited panic through acts of vandalism and stone-pelting. Authorities responded swiftly, and police managed to regain control of the situation.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma informed the media that a case of attempted murder has been filed against six suspects, urging the public to uphold peace and reassuring them that stringent measures are being taken against those accountable.

According to SP Sharma, the conflict originated from an assault on an individual named Sohel Thakur, who was attacked from behind by a group of youths. He sustained severe head injuries and has been referred to Ujjain for further medical treatment.

Following his report, the police registered an attempted murder case against six accused: Sappan Mirza, Ishaan Mirza, Shadab alias Idli, Salman Mirza, Rizwan Mirza, and Naved. Five of the suspects have already been apprehended, while the remaining individuals are being questioned.

The SP confirmed that the injured individual's condition is now stable.

Previously, communal strife had erupted in Tarana tehsil following an attack on a worker from the VHP-Bajrang Dal. Protesters damaged approximately a dozen buses parked at the bus station, leading to a heavy police presence to maintain order.

In light of the ongoing tension, a significant police force has been deployed throughout the town, with continuous patrols in sensitive areas. The situation escalated on Thursday evening when the initial dispute turned violent.

Markets were closed on Friday as a heavy police presence remained in the area, with authorities urging residents to maintain calm.

On Friday morning, members of Hindu organizations surrounded the Tarana police station, demanding the demolition of the homes of the accused after parading them in a procession.

Despite the administration's and police officials' efforts to de-escalate tensions, the protesters remained resolute in their demands, staging a dharna outside the police station while reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.

Authorities continued to call for tranquility, emphasizing that those responsible for the assault have been arrested. Police are reviewing CCTV footage of the incident, indicating that additional suspects may be identified.

Simultaneously, video footage circulating on social media, though not independently verified, depicts instances of arson and rising tension in the area.

As Basant Panchami coincided with Friday, senior police officials have been stationed in the area as a precaution. Both parties have been urged to ensure peace. One unit of the Special Task Force (STF) and approximately 300 police personnel and officers have been deployed to the location.