Two Jain Sadhvis killed in Rewa road accident; protests set for May 25
Synopsis
A speeding car struck three Jain Sadhvis on a religious foot journey in Rewa on May 20, killing two and critically injuring a third. The driver fled but was caught after a 270-km chase. Now, the Jain community is taking to the streets across India on May 25 — and asking whether the incident was truly an accident.
Key Takeaways
Two Jain Sadhvis — Shrutmati Mata and Arika Mata — were killed after a speeding car struck them in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh on 20 May .
A third Sadhvi, Upsamiti Mata , was critically injured and placed on ventilator support.
Driver Rashid Ali Shah fled but was arrested near Jabalpur after a 270-km police chase; charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita .
Jain organisations have called for peaceful protests on 25 May across Bhopal, Indore, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai , and other cities.
Senior monk Muni Shri Praman Sagar Ji and Rajya Sabha member Naveen Jain have urged calm and demanded accountability.
The Madhya Pradesh government has promised strict action; the community is also seeking a probe into whether the incident was intentional.
Two Jain Sadhvis were killed and a third critically injured after a speeding car struck them during a religious foot journey (padvihar) in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, on 20 May. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage within the Jain community, which has called for peaceful demonstrations across major Indian cities on 25 May demanding justice and stronger road safety protections for Jain ascetics.
How the Accident Unfolded
The collision occurred on the morning of 20 May near the Collectorate in Rewa's Civil Lines area. The three Sadhvis were walking along the edge of the road when a speeding car allegedly veered from the centre lane and struck them directly. Video footage circulating on media platforms reportedly shows the car moving toward the Sadhvis, who were on foot as part of their religious observance.
Shrutmati Mata, a native of Sagar district and a disciple of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj, died at the scene. The two others — Upsamiti Mata from Tamil Nadu and Arika Mata from Jabalpur — were rushed to hospital with critical injuries; one was placed on ventilator support and subsequently succumbed, according to reports.
Accused Arrested After 270-km Chase
The driver, identified as Rashid Ali Shah, fled the scene along with his family immediately after the incident. Police intercepted him near Jabalpur following a high-speed chase covering nearly 270 kilometres. The vehicle was reportedly travelling from Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, to Nagpur, Maharashtra at the time of the accident.
A case has been registered against Shah under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash and negligent driving and hit-and-run. The Madhya Pradesh government has assured strict action against the accused.
Community Demands and Protests
Jain organisations have announced peaceful marches and protests on 25 May across Bhopal, Indore, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and several other cities. Community members have raised questions about whether the incident was truly accidental, with some calling for a thorough investigation to rule out any deliberate act, according to reports. Leaders have, however, appealed for calm and restraint.
Senior Jain monk Muni Shri Praman Sagar Ji issued a message urging the community to maintain patience and faith. Rajya Sabha member Naveen Jain expressed condolences and solidarity with the bereaved community.
A Recurring Vulnerability on Public Roads
Jain ascetics observe strict religious vows that require them to travel barefoot and without vehicular transport, making them particularly vulnerable on busy public roads. This incident has renewed calls for dedicated safety protocols and awareness measures to protect monks and nuns during their religious journeys. Notably, this is not the first time Jain Sadhvis or Sadhus have been endangered on Indian highways, and community leaders argue that systemic safeguards are long overdue.
As the 25 May demonstrations take shape, the Jain community's collective demand is twofold: accountability for the accused and a policy commitment to safeguard ascetics on public roads going forward.
Point of View
Bound by religious vows to travel barefoot on public roads, have no formal protection under traffic law. The driver's flight across 270 kilometres before arrest raises questions about the adequacy of highway surveillance and inter-state police coordination. Community suspicions about intent — however unverified — reflect a deeper trust deficit that authorities must address through transparent investigation, not reassurances alone. The real test for the Madhya Pradesh government is not the arrest already made, but whether it will translate the community's grief into enforceable safety policy for religious pedestrians.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Jain Sadhvis in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh?
Three Jain Sadhvis were struck by a speeding car on 20 May near the Collectorate in Rewa's Civil Lines area while on a religious foot journey. Two of them — Shrutmati Mata and Arika Mata — died as a result of their injuries, while the third, Upsamiti Mata, sustained critical injuries.
Who is the accused in the Rewa Jain Sadhvi accident?
The driver has been identified as Rashid Ali Shah. He fled the scene with his family after the collision but was apprehended by police near Jabalpur following a chase of nearly 270 kilometres. A case has been registered against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash and negligent driving and hit-and-run.
Why is the Jain community calling for protests on May 25?
Jain organisations have called for peaceful demonstrations on 25 May across cities including Bhopal, Indore, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai to demand justice for the deceased Sadhvis and stronger road safety protections for Jain ascetics. Some community members have also called for a deeper investigation to rule out any deliberate intent.
Why are Jain Sadhvis particularly vulnerable on public roads?
Jain ascetics observe religious vows that require them to travel barefoot and exclusively on foot, without using any motorised transport. This places them on busy public roads and highways with no dedicated safety provisions, making them susceptible to road accidents.
What action has the Madhya Pradesh government taken?
The Madhya Pradesh government has assured strict action against the accused, Rashid Ali Shah, who has been arrested and charged. Community leaders and Rajya Sabha member Naveen Jain have also demanded accountability and enhanced security measures for Jain monks and nuns.
