Controversy Erupts After Ravana Effigy Burned Prematurely in Bhopal

Two unidentified individuals set fire to a Ravana effigy in the Bagh Mugalia-Ashima Mall area of Bhopal early Thursday morning, officials reported. The incident quickly gained attention as a video capturing the effigy in flames went viral on social media.

In the video, a witness claims that a man and woman, purportedly intoxicated, set the effigy ablaze and fled in a red car without a license plate around 6 a.m. They were reportedly seen loitering in the area for an extended period before the incident.

A complaint was filed at the Misrod police station by Pandit Atal Bihari Vajpayee Utsav Samiti president Aditya Ram Dube, prompting the registration of an FIR under section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This section addresses deliberate acts intended to offend religious sentiments. Efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects. After considerable effort, another Ravana effigy has been erected for the evening's Dussehra celebrations, where local MLA and minister Krishna Gaur are expected to attend.

(With inputs from agencies.)