Tensions erupt in Gwalior over Ambedkar effigy burning scare:Accused lawyer taken into custody; Bhim Army protests, warns of agitation

Tension gripped parts of Gwalior after police stopped an alleged attempt to burn an effigy at a busy crossing. A lawyer was detained, the effigy was seized, and a case was registered for disturbing public peace. The incident triggered protests by Bhim Army and other organisations, prompting heavy police deployment. Alert after effigy-burning report Tension spread in Gwalior on Friday evening after reports of a possible effigy burning. The information came from Akashvani Tirahe. Police and intelligence agencies were immediately alerted. Police reached the spot quickly and stopped the act before it could take place. Advocate Ashutosh Dubey was taken into custody, and the effigy was seized. Police confirmed that the effigy was not burned under any circumstances. Lawyer booked for disturbing peace On Saturday, police registered a case against Ashutosh Dubey for disturbing public peace. Officials said the action was preventive to avoid communal or social tension. What police say According to police, Dubey arrived at Akashvani Tirahe with some associates and the effigy. Police advised them not to burn it. During the exchange, Dubey allegedly tried to run away with the effigy, slogans were raised, and the situation began to worsen. Police then intervened and stopped the act. Protests by Bhim Army and others After news of the incident spread, members of Bhim Army, the Azad Samaj Party, and other OBC organisations reached the spot. They raised slogans of “Jai Bhim” and accused the advocate of trying to burn an effigy of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. As groups gathered, police increased deployment to prevent clashes. Gherao of SP office Following the incident, Bhim Army and other organisations surrounded the SP’s office. They demanded strict action against the advocate and called for charges under the National Security Act (NSA). The area remained tense for some time due to the protest. Bhim Army chief’s warning Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad posted on social media platform “X”. He called the alleged attempt an open challenge to democracy and social justice. He gave a 72-hour ultimatum to the Gwalior police and administration, warning of a public movement in Gwalior on January 1 if strict action was not taken. Advocate’s defence Advocate Ashutosh Dubey denied trying to burn an effigy of Dr Ambedkar. He claimed the effigy was of Chandrashekhar Azad and had no name written on it. He said the programme was planned to protest an earlier incident in Khaniyadhana, where no FIR was registered after the Manusmriti was allegedly burned on stage. Dubey also claimed he had informed the police in advance, yet an FIR was still lodged. Official response SSP Gwalior Dharamveer Singh said police were aware of the sensitivity of the issue. He stated that the effigy-burning plan was stopped in time and that a case was registered solely to maintain law and order.