Four individuals were arrested in Sailana, Ratlam district, on Monday for allegedly disturbing peace after a banner inscribed with “Hindu Rashtra” was partially burnt during a Muharram procession on Sunday night near Masjid Chauraha, 20 km from the district headquarters, police said. The incident, captured in a viral video, sparked tensions, leading to a market shutdown in Sailana on Monday as Hindu organizations protested and demanded strict action.

The video shows a youth performing fire-spitting stunts during the procession, inadvertently or intentionally directing flames toward the saffron banner, causing it to singe. Assistant Superintendent of Police Rakesh Khakha confirmed the arrests, stating that further investigations are underway to verify the video and circumstances. Heavy police presence, including Sailana SDOP Neelam Baghel and station in-charge Surendra Gadaria, has been deployed to maintain law and order.

Hindu groups, labeling the act an insult to their religious symbol, enforced a bandh and staged a protest at a key crossroad, reciting the Sunderkand from the Ramayana. Some demanded charges under the National Security Act (NSA). Posts on X, including from @IBC24News and @khulasafirst, highlighted the arrests and protests, with markets closed and Hanuman Chalisa recitations reported as part of the response.

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This incident follows a pattern of tensions during religious processions, as seen in recent Ujjain Muharram clashes where 16 were booked for breaching barricades, injuring police. Authorities are on high alert to prevent escalation in Sailana.

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