Chhindwara erupted in tension Tuesday night after a 22-year-old woman received chilling death threats from men claiming Pathan identity over her social media post. The incident, linked to ongoing communal friction from a recent rally, led to hundreds protesting outside the police station demanding swift arrests.
Incident Unfolds Over Social Media Post
The woman shared a statement by Hindu leader Arvind Rajput, president of Historical Ramlila Mandal, opposing a counter-rally. Around 2 PM, she got an Instagram call from 3-4 youths identifying as Pathans. They demanded she delete the post, boasted of "running four girls" from her community who would "take poison" for them, and admitted to rape allegations while threatening her and Rajput, called "that bald man."
Audio excerpts reveal the callers pressuring her: "Delete your story... we have the guts to deal with that bald man." Abuses echoed in the background as she refused, saying it would vanish in 24 hours. She challenged them to meet at the police station.
Rally Backdrop Fuels Tensions
Tension traces to Telangana MLA T Raja Singh's February 16 Hindu Garjana rally in Chhindwara, where he made controversial remarks on "Vande Mataram" and alleged threats from certain communities, sparking a Gondwana Gantantra Party counter-protest on February 23. Hindu groups claimed it supported "terrorists," with Rajput warning "brick for stone" response.timesofindia.
This context amplified the woman's post, turning a simple status into a flashpoint. Experts note rising social media vigilantism amid polarized local politics, urging platforms to monitor inflammatory content faster.
Protests Surround Police Station
By 10:30 PM, the woman reached Kotwali police station with family. Rajput arrived with supporters, swelling the crowd to 1,000 by 1 AM. Protesters chanted for arrests by 11 AM Wednesday or they'd shut down Chhindwara. CSP Ajay Rana assured action, calming the mob past 2 AM.
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Key demands: Immediate arrest of callers.
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Police response: Teams hunted four suspects; sources confirmed three detained – Bilal, Dilawar, Salman.
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Current status: City normal, but vigilant policing continues.
Kotwali Inspector Ashish Kumar confirmed investigation via call details and Instagram data.
Police Action and Ongoing Probe
Police sources say three youths identified late night. Investigation examines audio, social media trails under relevant IPC sections for threats and abuse. No formal shutdown as deadline passed peacefully post-detentions.
Legal experts advise women facing online threats to screenshot evidence, report immediately, and avoid engaging callers. Community leaders call for de-escalation to prevent wider clashes in tribal-heavy Chhindwara.
This case highlights dangers of social media in heated communal debates, especially post-rallies. With detentions, tensions ease, but probe outcomes will test law enforcement's resolve. Stay tuned for updates
