Ujjain Shipra Aarti turns violent as women vendors, priests clash:Dispute over lamp sales; brass aarti plate used in attack

At Ujjain’s Ramghat, a dispute broke out between women selling oil lamps and priests during the daily Shikra Aarti, which escalated into a violent clash involving kicks and punches. It is alleged that the priests also threw brass lamps used in the aarti towards the women. A video of the incident has now surfaced on social media. Police have registered a case on complaints from both sides and initiated an investigation. Dispute began over selling religious items The incident took place on Sunday evening. As usual, the Shikra Aarti was being performed at Ramghat. After the aarti concluded, a dispute broke out between women selling lamps and puja materials and the priests. According to devotees present at the spot, the argument quickly escalated into physical violence between both sides. Woman alleges brass aarti plate was used to attack her head According to Mahakal police station, Uma Yadav, a resident of Tilkeshwar Colony, was selling flowers and lamps at Ramghat along with her mother Mamta Parmar. In her complaint, Uma stated that priest Ganesh Sharma stopped them from selling puja materials during the aarti, which led to the dispute. Uma alleged that Ganesh Sharma and other priests abused them verbally. When she resisted, Ganesh Sharma allegedly struck her on the head with a brass aarti plate. Her mother Mamta, who tried to intervene, was also attacked with the same object, causing injuries to her face and nose. Uma further said that a woman named Shikha tried to intervene but was also assaulted. Her husband Suresh Yadav later arrived at the spot and helped separate both sides. Priests counter allegations, blame women for assault On the other hand, priest Vikas Sharma told police that women were stopped from selling items during the aarti, after which they began abusing and assaulting the priests. He alleged that during the scuffle, the lit aarti in his hand fell on him, causing injuries to his hand and near his eye. He also claimed that the women assaulted priest Ganesh Sharma, leaving him injured on the face and back. Three to four people injured in clash Police said people from both sides were injured in the incident. Around three to four individuals sustained injuries and were treated before being discharged from hospital. The video shows both priests and women hitting each other. It also captures scenes of brass lamps being thrown and physical scuffle. The police have included the video in their investigation. Cases registered against both sides Mahakal police station in-charge Gagan Badal said that cases have been registered on complaints from both sides. The viral video and other evidence are being examined as part of the investigation. Further legal action will be taken after the inquiry.