Violence breaks out between BJP, Congress workers in Jabalpur:Chairs hurled as MLA ex-minister’s supporters clash; firing reported

Late on Friday night, BJP and Congress supporters clashed during a Dussehra procession in Jabalpur. The dispute turned violent, with chairs broken, stages damaged, and claims of aerial firing. Police forces from four police stations rushed to the scene to control the situation. Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Jabalpur’s Garha area, a stage collapsed during a procession, killing one woman and injuring several others. Clash during Dussehra procession The incident happened between 1 AM and 2 AM on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. Supporters of Congress MLA Lakhan Ghanghoria and BJP’s former minister Anchal Sonkar came face to face in Kanchghar during the procession. Separate stages had been set up by both leaders. When a Durga idol arrived, arguments broke out between their supporters over worship rituals. In the chaos, someone reportedly fired a shot in the air. Police rushed to the spot Police forces from Ghamapur, Hanumantal, Belbagh and Gohalpur police stations reached the area. Jabalpur SP was also present. The officers dispersed the crowd and brought the situation under control. Eyewitnesses said several people were injured in the clash. A youth named Pintoo Anna was reportedly shot, though the police have not confirmed this. Broken chairs and scattered stage After the clash, broken chairs and a damaged stage were seen lying on the road. Witnesses said the scuffle continued late into the night before police restored order. Pictures from the incident site – Statements from police and leaders ASP Suryakant Sharma confirmed that police received information about a large crowd and a dispute during the procession. He said the matter is under investigation. BJP leader Vivek Ram Sonkar alleged that Congress supporters verbally abused their workers. He claimed that when objections were raised, some people fired shots in the air, creating panic. However, he said no one was injured in the firing. Both MLA Lakhan Ghanghoria and former minister Anchal Sonkar later appealed for calm and urged supporters not to escalate the dispute further. Separate tragedy in Garha area In another part of Jabalpur, a stage collapsed during a Durgotsav procession on Friday night. The incident occurred at around 11 PM in front of the Central Bank at Gulaoa Chowk. Over 15 people were injured. A woman named Shweta Verma died in the accident. Her son, Saur Verma, was also injured and is receiving treatment at Jabalpur Hospita