Sailana (Madhya Pradesh): A video of a disturbing incident during a Muharram procession in Ratlam's Sailana has sparked communal tensions and led to widespread protests on Monday. The viral footage shows a youth blowing petrol from his mouth and directing fire toward a 25-foot-high saffron banner displaying "Hindu Rashtra" in large letters, causing partial burning of the flag.
Police have arrested four individuals: Shahjad Meo, Bablu Shah, Bhayyu Khan Pathan and Ajju Shah. The incident occurred at Masjid Chowk on Sunday night, with the video circulating widely on Monday morning. Sarva Hindu Samaj and other religious organisations condemned the act as a deliberate insult to the saffron flag, prompting immediate market closures and street protests across Sailana.
Angry protesters gathered at Masjid Chauraha, reciting Hanuman Chalisa while sitting on roads. Sailana SDOP Neelam Baghel, Ratlam Rural SDOP Kishore Patanwala and police station in-charge Suresh Gadaria were present at the scene.
The situation required intervention from ASP Rakesh Khakha and additional police forces from across the district.
Hindu organisations demanded strict action under the National Security Act (NSA), arguing that despite numerous witnesses, no one prevented the youth from committing this act. The 25-foot-high saffron banner was targeted multiple times during the procession stunts.
Sailana SDO Manish Jain and tehsildar Kailash Kannauj attempted to control the unrest, but crowds continued demanding justice and threatening to organise processions against the accused. Business and social organisations submitted memorandums demanding severe punishment for the perpetrators.
