The situation deteriorated in the Panchampura region of Ujjain on Saturday night when a dispute over moving the temples and anti-encroachment action led to violence. The event happened when a road-widening drive was being undertaken by the municipal corporation that involved the removal of a temple structure and encroachments in the surrounding.
As officials explained, some local residents had accepted the relocation but one family, the house of which was also in the area of the demolition, did not want to relocate. The whole matter escalated when the members of the Bajrang dal were allegedly invited to the spot to protest the move. Residents who were in favor of the relocation soon joined the group and the two groups faced off.
What started as a verbal battle soon escalated into a fierce fight, which culminated in a stone throwing on each side. Fear swept the region and chaos ensued, compelling the law enforcers to stop the operation that was going on.
The police that were on-hand intervened in time to break up the crowd and bring sanity back to the situation. Some other troops were sent to contain the situation and ensure that the situation did not escalate any further. In the collision, Sub-Inspector Ankit Banod was injured, and he is still receiving treatment.
According to officials, a probe has been initiated to find the perpetrators of the violence. The police have given an assurance that it will take stern measures on those who violate the law. On the one hand, security has been stepped up in the region to prevent any repeat of unrest as civic work is closely monitored.