Ujjain Witnessed Unusual Demolition Amidst Music and Controversy
In an unprecedented turn of events, the Ujjain district administration in Madhya Pradesh carried out the demolition of a house amidst dhol and DJ music on Wednesday, 19 July. The house belonged to one of the three accused held over allegations of 'spitting' on a religious procession – 'Mahakal ki Sawari' – on Monday, 17 July.
Video Surfaces of Alleged 'Spitting' Incident on Religious Procession
The controversial incident came to light when a devotee captured the moment on video, purportedly showing a minor Muslim boy 'spitting' from his terrace. Following the outrage and public uproar over the incident, the Ujjain police promptly arrested three individuals, including two minor brothers. The FIR was lodged on the complaint of one Sawan Lot.
Three Accused Arrested for Disrupting 'Mahakal ki Sawari' Procession
According to reports, the three accused were booked under various sections, including 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 153A (offence committed in a place of worship). The complainant, Sawan Lot, along with his friends Yogesh Bagmar and Ajay Khatri, verbally reported to the police that the procession was crossing Tanki Chowk when they witnessed the alleged 'spitting' incident by three unknown boys.
Ujjain's Additional SP Addresses Media on Demolition and Arrests
Speaking to the media after the demolition on Wednesday, 19 July, Akash Bhuriya, Ujjain's Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), stated, "During a recent religious programme in Ujjain, some individuals attempted to disturb the religious harmony. The police registered an FIR against the accused under various sections, leading to their subsequent arrest. We then informed the Municipal Corporation and the Revenue Department about the accused. Today, the illegal encroachment by the accused has been effectively removed in the presence of the Municipal Corporation and the Revenue Department and the police."
THE house of a Muslim man was demolished in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, amidst the beats of dhol and DJ music. The man was one of the three accused individuals arrested on charges of allegedly 'spitting' on a religious procession known as 'Mahakal ki Sawari'. #Ujjain pic.twitter.com/qgPKm1HGaS
— news24indialive (@news24Indlive) July 19, 2023
Municipal Corporation and Revenue Department Assist in Demolition
The demolition took place with the assistance of the Municipal Corporation and the Revenue Department, ensuring the complete removal of the illegal encroachment. ASP Bhuriya clarified the use of dhol drums during the demolition, stating, "Drums are traditionally used to publicly announce actions such as the removal of encroachments. That is why they were used today as well."
The unusual and controversial demolition has garnered widespread attention, sparking discussions about the appropriate use of force in such incidents and the importance of maintaining communal harmony during religious processions. As the investigation progresses and public sentiment remains tense, authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served while preserving peace and unity in the city of Ujjain.
