Sidhi, April 14 (IANS) A dispute during an Ambedkar Jayanti rally in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district on Tuesday escalated into violence, leaving at least 14 people, including members of a family and police personnel, injured.​

According to information, the dispute began over the removal of a Bolero vehicle parked along the procession route in Amiliya town in Sidhi district, which led to heated arguments.​

The disagreement soon turned into a clash between two groups. Participants in the Ambedkar Jayanti procession vandalised the vehicle, which led to a further escalation of violence in the town.​

In the meantime, around 50 masked individuals allegedly forced their way into the house of Mani Shukla (22) and attacked the family members. Stones were pelted, and the occupants were assaulted.​

Mani Shukla sustained serious injuries, while Ramakant Shukla (80), Archana Shukla (40), and Divyansh Shukla (22) were also injured. Two people suffered head injuries in the attack.​

Later, a mob of nearly 200 people stormed the Amiliya police station, vandalising property and pelting stones inside the premises.​

The administrative office and investigation room were also damaged. Station In-charge Rakesh Bes and his team attempted to control the situation, during which constables Ramcharitra Pandey and Satish Tiwari were injured, police said.​

Senior officials, including District Collector Vikas Mishra, reached the spot to monitor the situation.​

He added that out of the 14 injured, eight have been discharged after treatment, while six are still undergoing medical care.​

He also shared that police have registered a First Information Report in connection with the incident and launched an investigation.

Authorities have appealed to the public to maintain peace and not pay heed to rumours.​

“The situation is now completely under control. A flag march has been conducted, and continuous dialogue is being maintained with residents to ensure peace,” Mishra told IANS.​

–IANS

pd/dan

​