The incident occurred around midnight near Bada Fuhara, outside Badkul Hotel, where an argument reportedly broke out between hotel staff and members of the Jain community. What began as a verbal exchange quickly turned violent, drawing hundreds of people to the spot and disrupting traffic and public order in the area.
According to police sources, the altercation started after objections were raised over abusive language allegedly used by the hotel manager, identified as Rohit Rajput. Members of the Jain community claimed that when they protested the behaviour, Rajput made a phone call following which several youths arrived at the location in a car, allegedly armed with baseball bats.
Eyewitnesses said the youths attacked people standing outside the hotel, triggering panic and anger among those present. News of the assault spread rapidly within the Jain community, leading to a large gathering at the site. In the ensuing chaos, associates of the hotel manager were allegedly chased and assaulted, forcing some to take shelter in nearby shops.
As the crowd grew and tensions escalated, police teams from eight to ten police stations were rushed to the area to prevent further violence. With the situation spiralling out of control, police carried out a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Several police personnel sustained minor injuries during the operation, officials said.
Members of the Jain community alleged that their group was targeted without provocation and accused the police of acting unfairly. They claimed that instead of arresting the attackers, the police used force against community members, further inflaming the situation. Some residents also alleged selective action by the administration, saying the police response disturbed the otherwise peaceful atmosphere of the city.
A local resident, Abhishek, claimed that more than 50 people were involved in the clash and alleged that a case was registered against him despite his role in informing the police about the incident.
Police officials, however, maintained that the lathi charge was necessary to prevent the situation from worsening. “Public order was under threat due to the large gathering and violent behaviour. Necessary force was used to restore calm,” a senior officer said, adding that investigations are ongoing and statements from all parties are being recorded.
Authorities said the situation is now under control and appealed to the public to maintain peace while the matter is being examined.
