Slipper-throwing sparks communal tension Ujjain

Ujjain

Communal tension erupted in Ujjain following an incident during the Khati community’s Rath Yatra, after a video surfaced showing slippers being thrown at a religious site near the Gopal Mandir, police said on Saturday.

The incident reportedly occurred late Friday night during the annual procession of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, triggering outrage among local residents. Members of the Muslim community staged a protest outside the Kharakuan police station, demanding immediate identification and arrest of those responsible.

“A case has been registered against unidentified miscreants after an object was reportedly hurled at a place of worship. We are thoroughly reviewing CCTV footage from the area to trace the culprits,” the office of Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said in a statement posted on X.

The police added that additional personnel were deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order and prevent any escalation. Senior officers have been monitoring the situation closely, assuring both communities that action will be taken based on evidence. Local leaders from both communities have appealed for calm and urged residents not to be swayed by rumours or provocative messages circulating on social media.

Officials said the Rath Yatra had largely remained peaceful until the incident. The motive behind the act is still under investigation. The administration has asked people to cooperate with authorities and has warned of strict action against those trying to incite communal disharmony. The situation remains under control, with peace committees and local leaders engaged to maintain harmony in the region.