Clash Between Bhim Army and Hindu Groups in Datia Leaves Three Injured

The injured were admitted to Indergarh Hospital, and additional police forces have been deployed across the town to prevent further unrest.

The incident began when around 200 members of the Bhim Army and Azad Samaj Party (ASP), led by Gwalior divisional president Keshav Yadav, organized a rally from Ambedkar Park to burn an effigy of Bageshwar Dham head Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri. The protest turned confrontational near Gwalior Chowk, where 70-80 activists from Hindu groups retaliated by burning an effigy of ASP leader Damodar Yadav. Initial police intervention managed to calm tensions temporarily.

The situation reignited near the Indergarh police station when Bhim Army and ASP members demanded an FIR against Shastri, alleging caste-based insults and disruptions by Hindu activists. As both groups were returning, they clashed again, prompting police to intervene. Several vehicles were damaged during the unrest.

Shiromani Singh Rathore, city president of the Sanatan Hindu Sangathan, condemned the effigy burning, stating, “Pandit Dhirendra Shastri works to end caste divisions and promote unity. Effigies of saints should not be targeted; protests should be directed at politicians, not religious leaders.”

The legal dispute behind the protest involves Damodar Yadav, national president of the Dalit-Pichda Samaj Sangathan, who filed a High Court petition against Shastri for alleged abuse during the “Sanatan Ekta Padyatra.” In response, Shastri urged followers to rise above caste divisions, emphasizing unity.

Police officials have identified key participants from both sides and continue to maintain a strong presence in Indergarh to prevent further escalation.