15 photos showing Ujjain’s Tarana communal tensions:Buses, cars torched; homes vandalised as armed rioters spark panic, child flees and women lock doors

Communal tensions between two groups in Tarana town of Ujjain district have remained high for the past two days, leading to large-scale vandalism and arson. More than a dozen buses, around nine cars, and several shops were damaged, while one bus was set ablaze. Several houses were attacked with stones, weapons, and sticks, triggering widespread panic among residents. Locals said the atmosphere was so terrifying that a child was seen fleeing after spotting armed rioters, while many women locked themselves indoors out of fear. Police have so far arrested 19 rioters and taken six others into custody. After security forces were deployed, markets reopened on Saturday morning. The administration has stated that the situation is currently completely under control, with adequate police presence in the area. Violence erupted after local dispute Officials said the violence initially broke out late Thursday night following a dispute between two young men, which quickly escalated and led to clashes between members of two communities. Both sides allegedly indulged in stone-pelting and vandalism, causing widespread damage to public and private property. Although the situation was brought under control after police deployment, tensions flared up again on Friday. Protesters reportedly torched a bus, prompting authorities to impose Section 144 in the area as a precautionary measure. Origin of the dispute The dispute is said to have originated from an old rivalry between Sahil Thakur, a Bajrang Dal activist, and Salman Beg, a resident of Qazi Chowk. Sahil was reportedly active in campaigns related to cow protection and opposition to “love jihad,” which had earlier caused friction between the two. On the evening of January 23, while Sahil was allegedly removing a tin can stuck in a cow’s mouth, Salman is said to have abused him. Later, Salman and his associates reportedly reached near the Shri Ram Temple and attacked Sahil, which became the flashpoint for the subsequent violence. Following the incidents, heavy police force remains deployed in Tarana to prevent further escalation. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb peace and have appealed to residents to maintain calm. See the entire incident in 15 pictures….