What Caused the Tension in Jabalpur Over Remarks Against the Jain Community?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Incident Origin: Dispute over cold sweets at a shop.
- Community Response: Protests by the Jain community.
- Police Action: Lathi charge implemented to control the crowd.
- Investigation: FIR filed and three detentions made.
- Community Sentiment: Condemnation of derogatory remarks.
Jabalpur, Jan 3 (NationPress) A minor disagreement at a well-known sweet shop in the Kamaniya Gate locality of Jabalpur escalated into a significant disturbance, prompting protests from the Jain community and a police lathi-charge to break up the gathering.
The incident began at the popular sweet shop situated near the historic Kamaniya Gate and under the jurisdiction of the Kotwali police station on Friday night.
According to Rajkumar Jain, a local entrepreneur, he visited the shop accompanied by his parents and relatives to buy sweets.
He reported that an edible product served to them was cold, sparking an argument with the shop manager. The situation escalated when the manager allegedly summoned staff members, leading to verbal insults directed at Jain’s family.
More seriously, the police stated that “objectionable and derogatory remarks” were allegedly made against the entire Jain community.
Furious over the insults, Jain and his group confronted the employees, resulting in a physical conflict.
Word of the incident quickly spread through the tight-knit Jain community. Within moments, hundreds gathered outside the shop, chanting slogans demanding immediate accountability from those involved.
The crowd became unruly, with some attempting to enter the shop to confront the individuals implicated. To prevent further unrest and restore order, police units from over five stations intervened.
As the demonstrators refused to disperse and tensions escalated, authorities resorted to a mild lathi charge. Several individuals, including minors, reported minor injuries, while community members claimed the protest was peaceful and accused the police of acting unfairly.
“An FIR has been filed based on Rajkumar Jain’s complaint, and investigations are currently ongoing. Three individuals have been detained in connection with the case, and an FIR against the sweet shop proprietor and two others has been lodged,” police officials noted.
Leaders within the Jain community condemned the alleged insults, referring to them as an assault on their religious sentiments. They insisted that no vandalism occurred and criticized the police’s lathi charge as excessive.
Police representatives defended their actions as necessary to control the mob and avert violence.
A Sub-Inspector reportedly suffered injuries, but officials stated they were awaiting further medical assessments.
Extra police forces remain stationed in the area to ensure peace. The historic Kamaniya Gate region, a busy commercial center, returned to calm by early morning.