BHOPAL: Protests erupted across Madhya Pradesh and parts of the country after two Jain sadhvis were killed and another seriously injured after a car hit them in Rewa district earlier this week. Members of the Jain community alleged the incident was deliberate and demanded stronger protection for saints and ascetics.
Silent marches and rallies took place in Bhopal, Indore, Rewa, Satna, Maihar, Vidisha, Guna, Ratlam, Dewas, Chhatarpur, Panna and several other towns. Protesters wearing black bands submitted memoranda addressed to the President, Prime Minister and Chief Minister, seeking a “national saint security policy” and stricter safety measures for Jain monks and sadhvis.
Community leaders said the incident was an attack on the Jain principle of non-violence and alleged the deaths were not the result of a routine road accident.
According to media reports, a senior state minister who visited a Jain dharamshala in Rewa said CCTV footage allegedly showed the car moving towards the sadhvis.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Madhya Pradesh chief secretary and director general of police following a complaint over the incident. The commission sought an action taken report within two weeks.
The incident occurred on May 20 near the Rewa collectorate when three Jain sadhvis were walking along the roadside during a religious procession. Police said a speeding car hit them from behind, killing two sadhvis instantly. Another sustained serious injuries and remains under treatment.
According to media reports, CCTV footage that surfaced after the incident showed the vehicle hitting the sadhvis from behind. The footage intensified allegations from Jain groups and some Hindu organisations that the crash may have been intentional. However, police have not officially confirmed any deliberate motive behind the incident.
Police said the accused driver fled after the collision and travelled nearly 270 km before police teams arrested him near a toll plaza in Jabalpur.
Senior police officials later visited the accident site and the hospital following the incident.
In Shujalpur, members of the Sakal Digambar Jain Samaj organised a silent march and submitted a memorandum to local authorities demanding an SIT probe and strict action against the accused.
