INDORE: Nine people were arrested in connection with the clashes that took place in Neemuch town of Madhya Pradesh on Monday night, the police said on Wednesday. Officials said those arrested have been identified as Arman, Israr, Abdul Wahab, Arshad, Akram, Javed, Nazim Hussain, Prakash Rawat and Rajesh Yogi — all residents of Neemuch.
“Both Rajesh and Prakash were involved in arson at a religious place and have been booked under IPC section 295 (Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class),” they said, adding, that the others have been charged with IPC sections 147, 148 & 149 (rioting), 435 (mischief by fire), 294 (obscene words, language), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 336 (Doing any act which endangers human life or the personal safety of others).
Neemuch city police station in-charge Karni Singh Shaktawat said nearly 30 people have been booked in the case, and nine of them have been arrested based on digital evidence and technical surveillance. “While scanning through multiple CCTV footages and mobile videos, Rajesh and Prakash were found to be torching a cooler and other items kept at a mosque while the other seven accused were found to be actively involved in rioting, stone pelting and torching vehicles,” Shaktawat said.
Clashes broke out over Hanuman idol
The clash broke out between two communities in Old Kachahri area of Neemuch on Monday night over installation of an idol of Lord Hanuman on a 5,000 sq ft government land leaving a 23-year-old person with minor injuries.
There was stone-pelting and arson during the clash and some two-wheelers were also torched, prompting administration to enforce prohibitory orders under CrPC section 144 in city limits of Neemuch.
