CCTV footage shows the entire sequence; driver arrested from Jabalpur after fleeing 270 km

A speeding car ran over three Jain nuns who were walking along a roadside in Rewa, killing two of them on the spot and leaving a third critically injured. The accident, captured on CCTV, has triggered widespread anger within the Jain community, which has called for a nationwide peaceful protest on May 25.

The incident took place in broad daylight outside the collectorate complex. Three sadhvis were practicing vihar — walking barefoot as part of their religious discipline — hugging the left edge of the road. The CCTV video, which surfaced on Saturday, shows an out-of-control white car approaching at high speed and hitting them from behind without any apparent braking.

Two dead, one critical

According to police and eyewitness accounts, Shruti Mati Mata died at the scene. Another, Upasamiti Mata, succumbed to injuries at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa while undergoing treatment. The third nun, Aryika Mata, remains in critical condition.

The accident occurred around midday on May 20. Local residents rushed all three to the hospital immediately, but doctors could not save the first two.

“They were walking peacefully, following all safety norms. The car came from behind at very high speed. There was no time to react,” said a shopkeeper near the collectorate who rushed to the spot after hearing the crash.

Driver arrested 270 km away

The driver, identified as Rashid Abaad Ali Shah, did not stop after mowing down the nuns. Instead, he sped away and continued driving for nearly 270 km. Rewa police tracked his movement and alerted Jabalpur authorities. Bargi police in Jabalpur laid a trap at the Bahoripar toll plaza and took him into custody.

Senior officials including commissioner B.S. Jamod, deputy commissioner Narendra Suryavanshi, and SP Gurukaran Singh visited the hospital and the accident site soon after the incident.

Jain community’s demands

The Jain community has refused to treat the incident as a simple accident. Suspicion of negligence or possible conspiracy is being voiced widely.

Four key demands have been put forward:

First, a high-level judicial inquiry or an SIT probe. Second, preservation of all digital and CCTV evidence. Third, a national-level ‘saint safety policy’ for monks and nuns who travel on foot across the country. Fourth, if the probe confirms conspiracy, the strictest punishment — including the death penalty — for the guilty.

“This is not just about one accident. This is about the safety of India’s spiritual heritage,” a community leader said at a gathering in Rewa.

May 25: nationwide protest, silent rally in Khandwa

In response to the Rewa tragedy, Jain organisations have announced a countrywide peaceful protest on May 25. As part of that, a large silent rally will be taken out in Khandwa starting at 8 am. The rally will begin from Mahaveer Udyaan Kirti Stambh and pass through Ghantaghar, Mumbai Bazaar, and Phool Gali before ending at the police control room.

A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister will be submitted through the district collector.

Community leaders including Virendra Jain, Sunil Jain, Dilip Pahadia, Sanjay Jain and Vikas Bothra have appealed to all sections of society, especially women, to join the rally in large numbers.

The funeral of one of the deceased nuns was conducted in Rewa on Wednesday, a day before the CCTV footage became public.

A speeding car allegedly ran over three Jain nuns in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district on Wednesday afternoon, leaving two dead and another critically injured. The accused driver fled the scene after the crash and was later arrested by police near Jabalpur following a nearly 270-kilometre chase, according to officials.

Fatal Crash Near Collectorate

The incident took place near the Collectorate office in Rewa, where the three women religious leaders were walking along the roadside. Police said the car lost control before hitting the Jain nuns with force, triggering panic in the area.

One of the victims, identified as Shruti Mati Mata, died on the spot. Another nun, Upasamiti Mata, succumbed to injuries during treatment at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. The third injured nun, Arika Mata, remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment, officials said. The Rewa car accident quickly drew attention across the city, with local residents rushing to help the injured immediately after the collision.

Eyewitnesses Recall Impact

Eyewitnesses said the car was moving at high speed when it veered towards the side of the road. The impact threw the victims several feet away, causing severe injuries. People present nearby informed the police and shifted the injured women to hospital with the help of local residents. Traffic movement in the area was briefly affected as crowds gathered at the accident site. According to officials, preliminary findings suggest negligent and rash driving may have led to the crash. The exact circumstances behind the loss of vehicle control are being investigated.

Driver Flees After Incident

After the accident, the accused driver allegedly escaped from Rewa in the same vehicle. Police teams were alerted across districts, and a coordinated search operation was launched. The accused was eventually intercepted near Bahoripar toll plaza in Jabalpur district by Bargi police. Officials said the suspect had travelled nearly 270 kilometres while attempting to evade arrest. Police later informed Rewa authorities and took the accused into custody for further questioning. The vehicle involved in the accident has also been seized for forensic examination.

Jain Community Mourns Loss

The deaths of the Jain nuns triggered grief and anger within the Jain community across the region. Community members gathered at the hospital and local Jain dharamshala soon after news of the tragedy spread.

The bodies of the deceased nuns were kept for final darshan before funeral proceedings were carried out in the presence of community members and followers. Sources indicated that Shruti Mati Mata originally belonged to Sagar district and was on a religious visit to Rewa from Satna at the time of the incident. Religious leaders and local representatives expressed condolences and demanded strict legal action against the accused driver.

Senior Officials Reach Spot

Following the incident, senior administrative and police officials visited both the accident site and the hospital to review the situation. Rewa Commissioner BS Jamod, Deputy Commissioner Narendra Suryavanshi and Superintendent of Police Gurukaran Singh inspected the spot and monitored developments related to the investigation and treatment of the injured nun. Police personnel were deployed in the area to maintain order as large crowds gathered outside the hospital and during the funeral procession.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have registered a case against the accused driver and launched a detailed probe into the incident. Police are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and questioning witnesses to establish the sequence of events. Officials said medical and forensic reports will form a key part of the investigation. The police are also verifying whether the accused was under the influence of alcohol or driving recklessly at the time of the crash. The Rewa car accident has once again raised concerns over speeding and road safety violations in urban areas of Madhya Pradesh.

Road Safety Concerns Rise

The incident has sparked debate over pedestrian safety and enforcement against reckless driving on busy city roads. Residents and social organisations have urged authorities to strengthen surveillance and improve traffic regulation near public offices and crowded stretches. Several members of the Jain community demanded fast-track legal proceedings and stricter punishment in cases involving fatal negligent driving.

Indore Navkarsi Dispute Escalates, Jain Seer Urges Restraint

The Indore Navkarsi dispute, linked to Mahavir Jayanti celebrations, continues to deepen as social media exchanges intensify and community leaders call for dialogue.

Row refuses to settle

Nearly a month after a disruption during a Navkarsi programme on Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, the Indore Navkarsi dispute has shown little sign of easing. What began as a brief logistical issue during the religious event has now grown into a wider disagreement within sections of the Shwetambar Jain community.

According to those familiar with the developments, a clarification issued recently by a community federation — around 29 days after the incident — has instead added to the unease. Several members have questioned both the timing and the tone of the statement, saying it lacked balance and failed to address concerns in a conciliatory manner.

Social media flashpoints

The issue has spilled over onto social media platforms, where discussions among community members have turned increasingly sharp. Posts, counter-posts and appeals for calm have been circulating across various groups, keeping the matter alive well beyond the original incident.

Observers note that the online exchanges have, in some cases, hardened positions rather than resolving differences, with allegations and rebuttals continuing to surface.

Seer calls for calm

Amid the ongoing friction, Jain seer Acharya Muktisagar Suri stepped in with an appeal for restraint. In a message shared on a community social media group, he urged both sides to prioritise dialogue and composure.

He noted that a disagreement linked to a sacred occasion such as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak persisting for weeks was a matter of concern. Stressing the teachings of Lord Mahavir, he called for adherence to values such as forgiveness and tolerance.

‘Forgiveness over conflict’

In his message, the seer underlined that disagreements within a community are natural but should not escalate into prolonged conflict. Drawing a simple analogy, he said that just as parts of the body may clash without leading to punishment, differences within society should be resolved through understanding rather than confrontation.

His remarks have been widely shared among community members, with some viewing them as a timely intervention.

Legal notice deepens rift

The dispute has also taken a legal turn. Akshay Jain, associated with a Jain organisation, has issued a defamation notice reportedly seeking damages of ₹50 lakh against the federation over references made in its communication.

Sources indicate that the notice has further complicated efforts to de-escalate the situation, with both sides now weighing their next steps.

Questions over leadership

The controversy has also triggered a broader conversation around leadership and decision-making within community organisations. Some members have suggested that a lack of timely communication and coordination contributed to the escalation.

There has also been criticism of what a section describes as an “isolated decision-making approach”, with calls for more inclusive consultation in future events.

Factional concerns emerge

Alongside the immediate issue, discussions around internal group dynamics have resurfaced. Community observers point to factionalism and organisational rivalries as underlying factors that may have amplified the dispute.

While these claims remain part of ongoing conversations, they highlight concerns about maintaining cohesion within the community.

What triggered the issue

Initial reports suggest the controversy stemmed from vehicles, including a tractor, being parked at the Navkarsi event venue, causing disruption. An event management representative is said to have acknowledged the lapse in writing and apologised to organisers soon after.

However, the subsequent release of a letter weeks later, referencing allegations tied to the incident, has been described by some as unnecessary and poorly timed — a factor that appears to have reignited tensions.

Calls for unity

Senior members of the community have urged both sides to bring the matter to a close through dialogue. They maintain that the issue could have been resolved swiftly had there been less rigidity in positions.

Legal professionals and community voices alike have emphasised that the ongoing Indore Navkarsi dispute risks affecting broader unity and harmony if not addressed constructively.

For now, efforts to mediate continue informally, even as the situation remains fluid.