Indore: Shopkeepers were forced to pull down shutters and passersby ran for cover after members of two families involved in a long-standing marital dispute clashed and hurled stones at each other outside the Manasa court complex in Neemuch district on Monday evening. The violence triggered panic in the area and disrupted traffic movement on the main road.
Police Response and Arrests
Neemuch Superintendent of Police Rajesh Vyas confirmed that eight people were arrested from the spot. Of these, five were sent to jail while three were granted bail from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) court. A video of the incident, shared on Tuesday, showed men from both sides pelting stones in full public view outside the court premises.
Origin of the Dispute
Police officials stated that the dispute stemmed from a marriage solemnised four years ago between a woman from Malaheda village and a man from Sawan Kund. The woman's in-laws allegedly refused to take her back, leading to ongoing tensions. On Monday evening, the woman's maternal uncle arrived at the Manasa court when members of both families came face to face. The argument quickly escalated into stone pelting and assault outside the court complex.
Immediate Action by Authorities
Upon receiving information, Manasa police station in-charge Nilesh Awasthi rushed to the spot with force personnel and detained those involved. The accused were booked for disturbing public peace and produced before the SDM court. Those arrested were identified as Jaipal, Pratap, Banshilal, Mukesh, Madanlal, Prahlad, and Jagdish, all residents of different villages in the area.
Legal Proceedings and Cross-FIRs
Manasa SDM Kiran Anjana stated that strict action would be taken against anyone disturbing law and order in public places. SP Vyas said police had registered cross-First Information Reports (FIRs). Based on a complaint by Kailashi Bai of Sawan Kund, a case was filed against Pappu, Gopi, Sonu, Sarwan, and Nahar Singh. In a counter-complaint by Sonu Banjara of Malaheda, police booked Ravi, Inder Singh, Kailashi Bai, and Arjun.
Jail Orders
Following SDM court orders, four individuals were sent to jail: Mukesh (son of Jor Singh Banjara of Data), Prahlad (son of Amar Singh Banjara of Kana Ki Barad), Jagdish (son of Roopa Banjara of Sakariya Khedi), and Madanlal (son of Mangilal Banjara of Sawan Kund). The remaining three arrested individuals were granted bail.
The incident highlights the volatile nature of long-standing family disputes and the swift response required by law enforcement to prevent public disorder. Authorities have assured that further investigations are underway to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.
