Image used for representation.
Multiple police personnel and other officials suffered injuries in a mob attack in Madhya Pradesh’s Mauganj district on Sunday (March 16, 2025) when they went to a village to intervene into a clash between two groups and rescue a man who had been held hostage and later killed, officers said.
Local reports and Congress State president Jitu Patwari also claimed that an assistant sub-inspector was also killed in the violence. However, the police are yet to confirm this.
Mauganj Collector Ajay Shrivastava said that a dispute broke out between two groups of the Hindu community in Gadra village under Shahpur police station limits in the evening.
Mr. Shrivastava also said that a local man had been killed in the clashes between the groups.
“A large crowd had gathered here and stones were also pelted. The SP, I and the police force is here. Patrolling is also going on in the entire village,” Mr. Shrivastava said, speaking to reporters from the spot.
The man had been abducted and held hostage by a group of local tribals.
Mauganj Superintendent of Police, Ratna Thakur, said that Section 163 (prohibitory orders) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been issued in Gadra village after a dispute took place between two groups of the Hindu community.
“The situation is completely under control,” she said, asking the public to cooperate with the police.
A government official, present at the spot, said that the dispute broke out over a road accident more than a month ago in which a man had passed away.
“The local tribals believed that it was a murder. So, today [Sunday] some tribal men forcefully abducted a man and held him hostage in the village,” the official said, adding that when a police team went to rescue the man, they were also attacked with sticks and sharp objects.
Taking to X, Mr. Patwari wrote, “A young man was held hostage and beaten in Gadara village of Shahpur police station area in Mauganj district! An ASI died in the attack on the police team that reached the spot!”
Mr. Patwari also slammed the State’s BJP government over the law and order situation.
“The law and order situation in MP has become worse than jungle raj and now even the police is not safe! If you are carefree even after being given the title of the most unsuccessful Home Minister, then the people of MP are at the mercy of God! Strict action should be taken against the culprits responsible for this tragic incident! The government should also present a detailed action plan in the assembly to control unbridled crimes and criminals!” Mr. Patwari wrote.
Published – March 16, 2025 12:34 am IST
