Violent Clash Erupts in Jabalpur Over Sale of Controversial Religious Books

A violent confrontation erupted in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday when tensions over controversial literature escalated into physical altercations between opposing groups.

Hindu organizations were protesting against books allegedly containing disrespectful content about Hindu deities, while simultaneously, the SC, ST, and OBC United Front conducted their own demonstrations. The situation deteriorated rapidly as members from both sides clashed, creating widespread disorder.

The conflict originated during a Sunday conference at Manas Bhavan organized by the Kushwaha Jan Jagruti Evam Vikas Samiti and the Samrat Ashok Kranti Sena. Book vendors outside the venue displayed titles including "Periyar's True Ramayana" and "Manu vs. Laden," publications considered offensive by numerous Hindu groups.

According to witnesses, several individuals entered the hall and approached the stage, claiming the books contained objectionable material. During the confrontation, these men reportedly damaged some displayed books.

The incident intensified when conference attendees began physically assaulting these individuals. Video footage captured the crowd pursuing them throughout the premises, igniting outrage among Hindu organizations.

By Tuesday, the situation had further deteriorated. Members from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and other Hindu groups gathered at the Superintendent of Police office, many armed with sticks and hockey equipment. They vocally demanded strict action and recited religious texts outside the police facility.

Concurrently, the SC, ST, and OBC United Front conducted their separate protest at Ghantaghar Chowk.

The situation worsened when female members of Hindu organizations encountered supporters of the SC-ST-OBC United Front. A verbal dispute quickly escalated to violence, with witnesses reporting that Hindu women activists physically attacked morcha workers with sticks.

Law enforcement attempted to intervene, but hostilities between the groups persisted, creating significant fear throughout the area.

Vandana Ben from the United Front alleged unprovoked aggression: "After peacefully submitting our memorandum at Ghantaghar, Bajrang Dal members suddenly attacked us with sticks and firearms while shouting slogans. The assault occurred in police presence, yet no action was taken. Why is the government silent about this injustice against marginalized people?"

Conversely, Ravita Hinduwadi claimed Bajrang Dal members were the victims: "We had simply gone to submit a memorandum when our members were attacked. We have video evidence. Strict action must be taken against all perpetrators. Jabalpur is our cultural capital—if anyone threatens our religion, we will demonstrate publicly."

Additional SP Ayush Gupta addressed the situation: "A programme at Manas Bhavan two days ago involved the sale of controversial books. Members of a Hindu organization visited the venue, resulting in a dispute. They were physically assaulted, and we filed an FIR. Today they submitted a memorandum requesting arrests. The accused individuals will be apprehended shortly."