Islamabad, Mar 10, 2025: At least four people sustained injuries in the central Indian town of Dr. Ambedkar Nagar on Sunday following clashes triggered by celebrations of Champions Trophy triumph.
The violence erupted when some individuals set off firecrackers outside a mosque, leading to a confrontation between two groups. According to officials, both sides engaged in stone pelting, resulting in damage to vehicles, shops, and motorcycles. Several of them were reportedly vandalized and torched.
The incident took place nearly 200 km (124 miles) from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. Authorities stated that the altercation stemmed from a dispute over the fireworks.
Senior police officer Hitika Vasal informed reporters that members of a celebratory procession had ignited firecrackers near the mosque, prompting disagreements that quickly escalated into violence.
To restore order, law enforcement deployed tear gas, as reported by local media. Video footage from the scene depicted empty streets with riot police stationed across the area.
Some vehicles with shattered windows and others charred from the fires were visible along the roads, while glass shards littered the streets.
Another senior police officer, Nimish Agarwal, assured that the situation was now under control, with authorities increasing patrolling in sensitive zones to prevent further unrest.
India, a Hindu-majority nation, is home to the world’s third-largest Muslim population, and incidents of communal tensions during major cricketing celebrations have occurred before.
Similar disturbances were reported in Maharashtra last month following India’s victory against Pakistan in the same tournament, where police intervention was required to disperse crowds.
Meanwhile, activists and opposition parties have frequently criticized the federal government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging discrimination against Muslims and inadequate action against communal violence. The government, however, has repeatedly dismissed these claims.
