In a disturbing incident in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district, a group of workers returning from a temple was subjected to a violent assault involving stone pelting, leaving at least two individuals with serious head injuries. The attack has triggered tension in the area and prompted swift police action.
The Initial Attack on Returning Workers
The trouble began when a group of workers from Hatuniya village were walking back home after completing lighting work at the Ladusa Sanwaliaji temple. The work was part of preparations for an anniversary celebration and fair. As they neared the Dhundhadka–Babrecha road, they were reportedly stopped by some local residents, leading to a heated argument.
According to SDOP Kirti Baghel, the dispute escalated rapidly. The situation turned violent when the unidentified persons began pelting stones and physically assaulting the workers. Two men sustained serious injuries to their heads during this attack. The victims also alleged that their vehicles were damaged by the assailants.
Escalation and Police Response
Following the initial assault, the injured managed to reach Ladusa and informed members of the temple committee about what had transpired. When committee members and other villagers later went to the area to inquire about the incident, they were met with another round of violence.
Relatives of the accused allegedly carried out a second stone-pelting attack, injuring more people. Several individuals reported fleeing the scene to save their lives. Police teams from Daloda and Afzalpur police stations rushed to the spot after receiving information and succeeded in bringing the volatile situation under control.
SDOP Kirti Baghel confirmed that five suspects were detained for questioning in connection with the attacks. All injured persons received treatment at the Dhundhadka community health centre. The incident also drew members of the tribal community from the Babrecha region to the hospital.
Aftermath and Past Tensions
The police have registered a formal case against the accused. While the motive is under investigation, some locals have suggested that the attack may have been carried out with an intention of robbery. This incident has revived memories of past unrest in the area.
Local residents pointed out that a similar stone-pelting incident had occurred at the same location approximately two years ago, which had led to prolonged tension in the region. The recurrence of such violence has raised concerns about law and order in the area, with the community hoping for decisive action from the authorities to prevent future clashes.
