Gujarat Temple Dispute Explodes into Violence: Over 20 Injured, 100 Booked in Sabarkantha

A quiet village in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district was recently plunged into chaos as a long-standing dispute over the control of a revered temple erupted into a violent communal clash. The peaceful facade of Ambamahuda was shattered by stone-pelting and stick-wielding groups, leaving a trail of injuries and a community deeply shaken.

At the heart of the conflict lies the Ambamahuda Ram temple, a site of deep religious significance.

Tensions had reportedly been simmering for months, stemming from a disagreement between two communities regarding its management and ownership. One group allegedly sought to assert control over the temple, a move that was vehemently opposed by the other, setting the stage for the eventual eruption of violence.

Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying scene as the verbal confrontation quickly escalated into physical assault.

Villagers from both sides, armed with sticks and stones, engaged in a pitched battle that sent shockwaves through the area. The intensity of the clash highlighted the deep-seated resentment and unresolved issues that had festered beneath the surface.

The violent confrontation resulted in at least 20 individuals sustaining injuries, some severe enough to require immediate medical attention.

Ambulances rushed to the scene to transport the wounded to nearby hospitals, as the local administration struggled to bring the situation under control. The aftermath saw a heavy deployment of police personnel, transforming the village into a fortress of law enforcement.

Responding swiftly to the crisis, local police initiated a massive crackdown.

Over 100 individuals from both communities have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, assault, and criminal intimidation. The arrests underscore the authorities' firm stance against such acts of violence and their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region.

Senior police officials confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the precise sequence of events and identify all instigators.

As the village slowly grapples with the fallout, a palpable tension remains. Heavy police pickets have been established around the temple and in sensitive areas to prevent any further escalation.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of how religious and community disputes can quickly turn volatile, demanding immediate and decisive action from authorities and a collective effort towards fostering inter-community harmony.