In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage, six persons, including a minor, were arrested for attacking three Jain monks with sticks and sharp weapons in Singoli town of Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh, late Sunday night. The accused allegedly assaulted the monks after being denied money.
According to Singoli Police Station SHO Bhura Lal Bhabhar, the incident took place when Jain monks Shailesh Muni Ji, Balbhadra Muni Ji, and Munindra Muni Ji had halted at a Hanuman temple for rest.
The assailants, who were reportedly intoxicated, arrived on three motorcycles and demanded money from the monks. Upon refusal, they attacked the monks with sticks and sharp objects, inflicting head and back injuries.
The accused were identified as Ganpat Nayak, Gopal Bhoe, Kanhaiya Lal, Raju Bhoe, Babu Sharma, and a minor, all of whom are residents of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, a town close to the Madhya Pradesh border.
While the injured monks were promptly taken to a nearby hospital, they refused medical treatment after sunset due to religious customs prohibiting such intervention during that time. They were later shifted to a medical facility run by the Jain community after sunrise on Monday, police said.
Neemuch Superintendent of Police Ankit Jaiswal confirmed that all six accused have been arrested and booked under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The incident triggered widespread anger and protests from the Jain community, leading to a shutdown (bandh) in Singoli town on Monday. Shops and businesses remained closed as a mark of protest against the assault on the monks, who hold a revered position in the community.
Police have assured that a thorough investigation is underway and that justice will be ensured for the victims. Security has also been heightened in the region to maintain peace and prevent any further unrest.
