Communal tension erupt across 3 states, Muslims attack Shivaji Jayanti Celebrations.

Religious Clashes Erupt Across Three States During Shivaji Jayanti and Ramzan Events; Police Step In to Restore Order.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Feb 20, 2026:: Communal tensions flared across parts of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana during overlapping religious observances, leading to stone-pelting, vandalism, and police intervention. Incidents were reported from Sihora in Jabalpur district, Bagalkot, and Hyderabad’s Amberpet area, prompting authorities to impose restrictions and detain several individuals to maintain law and order.

Simultaneous Religious Events Trigger Violence in Jabalpur

In Sihora town of Jabalpur, tensions erupted on Thursday night around 10 pm in the Azad Chowk area when evening aarti at a Durga temple coincided with Ramzan prayers at a mosque located directly opposite the temple.

According to police sources, a dispute arose over loud music during the aarti and alleged damage to the temple’s grill by a young man. The confrontation quickly escalated into stone-pelting between two groups, along with vandalism of nearby shops and vehicles. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as crowds gathered and clashed.

Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay stated that officers initially used mild force to disperse the mob. When the situation intensified, police fired eight to ten tear gas shells to bring the crowd under control. Additional forces from three police stations in Jabalpur and neighboring districts were deployed, and barricades were erected in sensitive zones.

Authorities confirmed that no religious structures were damaged and no serious injuries were reported. Between 20 and 50 individuals were detained for questioning, and investigations are ongoing.

In an official statement, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said directives had been issued to ensure strict maintenance of law and order. He emphasized that the administration is closely monitoring the situation and that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands.

Stone-Pelting During Shivaji Jayanti Procession in Bagalkot

In Bagalkot, tensions escalated during a Shivaji Jayanti procession as it passed near the Panka mosque. The procession had reportedly begun peacefully but turned chaotic when stones were allegedly thrown from a distance toward participants and police personnel.

Hindu groups accused individuals associated with the mosque of initiating the attack. Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to police, tensions had been building after a DJ song played during the procession included the phrase “We will build a temple,” which reportedly drew objections from some members of the Muslim community.

In response, authorities imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prohibiting unlawful assembly in the area. Police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible and have assured that strict action will be taken against offenders.

Brief Tensions in Hyderabad’s Amberpet

A similar situation unfolded in the Amberpet locality of Hyderabad, where a Shivaji Jayanti procession coincided with evening Ramzan prayers at a mosque. Objections were reportedly raised over loud music and slogans as the procession moved through the area.

The situation briefly escalated, with reports that a YouTuber was allegedly attacked amid the commotion. However, swift intervention by local police prevented further violence. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or property damage were reported. The area remains under close surveillance as a precautionary measure.

Heightened Vigilance Across Sensitive Areas

Across all three states, police have increased patrolling, deployed additional personnel, and erected barricades in communally sensitive areas. Senior administrative officials, including district collectors and superintendents of police, have been closely monitoring developments on the ground.

Political leaders and officials from the respective states have appealed for calm, emphasizing communal harmony and warning against the spread of misinformation on social media.

Investigations are ongoing in all three incidents, with authorities reviewing video footage and eyewitness accounts to identify those responsible for instigating violence. Police have reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone found attempting to disturb public peace during religious observances.
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_Agency Inputs.