Jabalpur stone-pelting: Youth 'vandalises' temple grill during Aarti, clashes break out between groups; police deployed
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Tension escalated in Jabalpur’s Sihora area after a youth allegedly vandalized the grill of a Durga temple during Aarti, sparking clashes and stone-pelting between two groups. The incident occurred around 9 pm, when devotees were performing Aarti at the temple and namaz was being offered at a nearby mosque. According to locals, the youth’s actions led to an altercation that quickly escalated into a clash involving both religious groups. Police intervened after about 10 minutes, using tear gas shells and deploying additional forces to restore order.
The situation unfolded in Ward No. 5 of Azad Chowk, with police dispatching teams from nearby stations—Sihora, Khitauli, and Gosalpur—to the scene. Additional reinforcements were sent from Jabalpur to prevent further escalation, as senior superintendent Sampat Upadhyay confirmed that the situation had been brought under control. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
This clash highlights the potential for tensions to arise in religiously significant areas, particularly during peak worship times. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining order and harmony in such settings, where even minor disputes can lead to broader conflicts. For readers interested in global affairs and communal harmony, this event serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in balancing religious sentiments with public safety.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026