Two Jain Sadhvis killed, third critical as car mows them down in Rewa, MP
Synopsis
A speeding car mowed down three Jain Sadhvis directly outside the Rewa Collectorate in Madhya Pradesh, killing two on the spot and in hospital, and leaving a third in critical condition. The driver fled nearly 270 km before being caught at a Jabalpur toll plaza — a detail that has sharpened community anger and demands for justice.
Key Takeaways
Two Jain Sadhvis — Shruti Mati Mata and Upasham Mati Mata — were killed in a road accident in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh on 21 May 2025 .
A third Sadhvi, Arika Mata , remains in critical condition at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital .
The incident occurred in front of the Rewa Collectorate ; the driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.
The accused was arrested nearly 270 km away at the Bahoripar toll plaza in Jabalpur following a police blockade.
Senior officials including Commissioner B.S.
Jamod and SP Gurukaran Singh visited the site and hospital to manage the situation.
Two revered Jain Sadhvis were killed and a third left in critical condition on Wednesday, 21 May after a speeding car ran over the three female ascetics in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, police confirmed. The vehicle struck the women directly in front of the local Collectorate, where they were walking along the roadside, and the driver fled the scene immediately after the impact.
How the Accident Unfolded
The three Sadhvis were walking peacefully along the edge of the road near the Rewa Collectorate on Wednesday afternoon when a vehicle that had reportedly lost control struck them with severe force. Shruti Mati Mata died on the spot from the impact of the collision. The other two injured ascetics — Upasham Mati Mata and Arika Mata — were rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital by bystanders who intervened amid the chaos. Upasham Mati Mata later succumbed to her injuries during treatment, while Arika Mata remains in a highly critical condition under close medical supervision.
Accused Arrested After 270-km Flee
Following the crash, the driver fled the scene, triggering an immediate police pursuit. The accused managed to travel nearly 270 km from Rewa before being intercepted. In a coordinated operation, the Bargi police set up a strategic blockade at the Bahoripar toll plaza in Jabalpur, where the fleeing driver was arrested. The Rewa police were subsequently notified and are handling the case.
Community Grief and Outrage
News of the deaths sent shockwaves through the Jain community across the region, with large crowds gathering at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital and the local Jain Dharmashala to pay respects and demand justice. The bodies of the two deceased Sadhvis were placed for a final darshan, allowing devotees to offer their last respects before the mortal remains were taken for final rites. The driver's immediate flight from the scene deepened community resentment, with members calling for swift legal action.
Officials Respond
Senior administrative and law enforcement officials moved quickly to manage the situation. Commissioner B.S. Jamod, Deputy Commissioner Narendra Suryavanshi, and Superintendent of Police Gurukaran Singh visited both the accident site and the hospital to assess security, address the swelling crowds, and take stock of the developing situation. Authorities have confirmed the accused is in custody and an investigation is underway.
As Arika Mata continues to receive critical care, the Jain community and local administration are awaiting further details on the charges to be framed against the arrested driver.
Point of View
The deaths of two ascetics who observe strict non-violence as a way of life, struck down on a public road, carries a symbolic weight that will fuel demands for accountability well beyond this case. Whether authorities pursue charges commensurate with the severity of the incident — rather than a routine road-accident filing — will determine how this moment is remembered.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Rewa Jain Sadhvi accident?
A speeding car struck three Jain Sadhvis who were walking along the roadside near the Rewa Collectorate in Madhya Pradesh on 21 May 2025. Two of them — Shruti Mati Mata and Upasham Mati Mata — died, while the third, Arika Mata, remains critically injured.
Who are the deceased Jain Sadhvis in the Rewa accident?
The two deceased ascetics have been identified as Shruti Mati Mata, who died on the spot, and Upasham Mati Mata, who succumbed to her injuries at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. Both were revered figures within the Jain community.
Was the driver arrested after the Rewa accident?
Yes. The driver fled the scene immediately after the crash and travelled nearly 270 km before being arrested. Bargi police set up a blockade at the Bahoripar toll plaza in Jabalpur, where the accused was apprehended and the Rewa police were notified.
What is the current condition of the third Sadhvi, Arika Mata?
Arika Mata remains in a highly critical condition under close medical supervision at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa, according to officials.
How has the Jain community responded to the Rewa accident?
Large numbers of community members gathered at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital and the local Jain Dharmashala to mourn and demand justice. The bodies were placed for a final darshan before last rites. The driver's flight from the scene deepened community outrage.
