A massive clash broke out in Mhow on Sunday night following India’s victory in the Champions Trophy, plunging the town into chaos. Violence escalated to such an extent that the administration was left stunned as mobs set shops and vehicles ablaze. Petrol bombs were reportedly thrown at various locations, prompting the police to resort to lathi charge and fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
As the situation worsened, army personnel were deployed to bring the unrest under control. After nearly two and a half hours of intense efforts, the authorities managed to restore order. While major markets reopened on Monday morning, areas where houses and shops were set on fire remain deserted, with residents still in fear. Heavy police deployment continues across Mhow, and the army is closely monitoring every movement in the region.
According to reports, five to six people sustained injuries in the clashes. Mhow Collector Ashish Singh stated that the situation is now under control, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for inciting violence.
Political Reactions and Arrests
Local MLA Usha Thakur confirmed that 13 people have been arrested so far, and all accused are being identified. "Every individual responsible for spreading violence will be arrested," she asserted. She also raised concerns over the targeted attacks, stating, “No rallies were held in the areas where homes and shops were torched. People were sleeping, yet a pre-planned attack was carried out. How did Mhow go up in flames within minutes? This was all orchestrated in advance. No culprit will be spared.”
After #TeamIndia's #ChampionsTrophy2025 victory, violence & arson reported in #Mhow, #Indore. Local Indian journalists say a victory rally near Jama Masjid allegedly provoked Muslim worshippers offering Taraweeh with derogatory slogans & firecrackers, sparking clashes.#INDvsNZ… pic.twitter.com/xW93cTkwYn
— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) March 9, 2025
How the Violence Unfolded
The incident took place around 10 PM on Sunday when over 100 people, riding more than 40 motorcycles, carried out a victory procession after India’s win. The group reportedly chanted religious slogans, and upon reaching near Jama Masjid, a dispute broke out over the slogans and fireworks. Allegedly, a few individuals from the other side stopped five to six members of the procession and engaged in a scuffle.
As news of the altercation reached the rest of the group, tensions escalated, and stone-pelting ensued. The opposing side retaliated, leading to an uncontrollable riot. Several bikers fled towards different areas, but soon, violence erupted in Pati Bazaar, Kotwali, and other parts of the town. Enraged mobs vandalized parked vehicles and set fire to homes and shops in Pati Bazaar.
Security Measures and Army Deployment
With the situation spiraling out of control, police from four nearby stations were rushed to Mhow. More than 300 personnel were deployed to contain the violence. Collector Ashish Singh and DIG Nimish Agarwal arrived at the scene around 1:30 AM and personally assessed the situation, staying on the ground throughout the night.
As violence persisted, the administration called in the army for assistance. A Quick Response Team (QRT) comprising eight army personnel was deployed to restore order.
Extensive Damage
The rioters torched over 12 motorcycles and vandalized two cars before setting them on fire. In Pati Bazaar, the house of Press Club president Radhe Lal was torched, while a shop in Batakh Mohalla was reduced to ashes. At Market Chowk, two shops were set on fire. Police carried out a baton charge in Pati Bazaar and Manak Chowk areas and also used tear gas shells to disperse the rioters. By around 1 AM, the situation had calmed down.
