Bhopal-  A serious case has emerged from the Maharajganj Civil Line police station area in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, where a dispute between two communities over the demand for wheat in the name of a temple escalated into a violent clash. Allegedly, some members of the Patel community forcibly demanded one quintal of wheat from poor families belonging to the Dalit Ahirwar community. When the victim families cited their financial situation and offered to give only 50 kilograms of wheat, the dispute deepened and soon turned into a physical altercation.

It is being reported that the Ahirwar community members clearly stated they could not afford to give one quintal of wheat and could only give 50 kilograms. Despite this, the accused allegedly refused to accept this and continued to pressure them to give one quintal. When the victim families stood their ground, the Patel community members reportedly took an aggressive stance and attacked them with sticks, bricks, and stones. In this attack, both women and men were seriously injured, creating a tense atmosphere in the area. Those accused of the attack include Shyam Patel, Ramswaroop Patel, Bhagwatdayal Patel, and Raja Bhaiya Patel.

The victims include Kura Ahirwar, Chhiddi Ahirwar, Sohan Ahirwar, Viru Ahirwar, Girija Ahirwar, and Kavita Ahirwar. The injured have been admitted to a hospital for treatment, where their condition is being monitored.

According to the victims, when they cited their financial inability and offered to give only 50 kilograms of wheat demanded in the name of the temple, the accused party allegedly became abusive. The victims claim the accused forcibly pressured them to give one quintal of wheat and when refused, allegedly started hurling abuses. The atmosphere gradually became tense, and the argument spiraled out of control.

In their conversation, the victims stated that when they resisted this abusive behavior, the accused party began assaulting them. They were attacked with sticks, bricks, and stones, leaving several family members injured. According to the victims, women were also targeted and injured in the attack. Since the incident, the entire family is living in fear and demanding strict action against the accused.

Political reactions have also emerged regarding this incident. Sunil Asteya, a leader of the Azad Samaj Party, tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) about the matter, stating that a temple is a center of faith, but demanding forced grain from a poor Dalit farming family in its name, and attacking the entire family, especially women, when refused, is extremely shameful and condemnable. He stated that this is not just a simple case of fighting, but reflects a mentality of intimidating and suppressing weaker sections.

Speaking to The Mooknayak, ASP leader Sunil Asteya said that such illegal extortion and high-handedness in the name of religion cannot be accepted under any circumstances. He demanded that the administration provide immediate security to the victim family, ensure proper treatment for the injured, and initiate strict legal action against all accused. He also asserted that hooliganism in the name of faith will not be allowed to continue in villages, and the rule of law must be upheld.

Currently, the police are investigating the matter and have stated that action will be taken considering all aspects of the incident.