Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Residents Block Highway After Alleged Abuse Of Ganesh Devotees
A disagreement happened during a Ganesh festival in Bhikangaon.
Police officer Mohar Singh Baghel allegedly told children to stop the lights and music.
Residents said he also used abusive words and made threats.
The residents became angry and went to the police station with Ganesh idols.
They blocked a national highway for about an hour.
Police later returned the idols to the festival pandal.
The residents then ended their protest and traffic began moving again.
They asked senior officials to investigate the officer.
Officials said they would look into the complaint.
Residents accused SI Mohar Singh Baghel of using abusive language toward children at a Ganesh festival pandal in Bhikangaon.
The dispute began around 9:30 p.m. Friday after Baghel allegedly asked organizers to switch off the lights and sound.
Protesters carrying Ganesh idols blocked the national highway for about an hour, causing traffic queues.
The blockade ended after police personnel respectfully returned the idols to the pandal.
Residents and Vishva Hindu Parishad representatives sought an inquiry, an FIR and disciplinary action against Baghel.
- Who
- Residents, children, SI Mohar Singh Baghel, police personnel and Vishva Hindu Parishad representatives were involved.
- What
- Residents protested alleged mistreatment of children and blocked a national highway before submitting a complaint seeking action against Baghel.
- When
- The alleged incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Friday; the blockade lasted from about 11 p.m. to 12:15 a.m., and the memorandum was submitted Saturday.
- Where
- The incident occurred at the Bal Ganesh Mandal in Ward No. 5, Bhikangaon, Madhya Pradesh, and the protest reached the police station and national highway.
- Why
- Residents alleged that Baghel abused the children and threatened to take their parents and the Ganesh idol to the police station after objecting to the lights and sound.
Residents' Allegations
Police Response
Conduct at the festival
Residents' Allegations
Residents said Baghel used abusive language, threatened families and the Ganesh idol, and hurt religious sentiments.
Police Response
The police side did not provide a detailed account of the exchange in the article; officials said the complaint would be investigated.
Requested action
Residents' Allegations
Residents and Vishva Hindu Parishad representatives demanded an impartial inquiry, an FIR and disciplinary action.
Police Response
SDOP Chetan Adlak said authorities had received the application and would examine the allegations.
- Location
- Bhikangaon, Madhya Pradesh
- Reported incident
- Alleged abusive language and threats toward children and devotees
- Reported time
- Around 9:30 p.m. Friday
- Blockade duration
- About one hour, from approximately 11 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.
- Impact
- Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides of the highway
- Demands
- An impartial inquiry, an FIR against Baghel and disciplinary action
- Official response
- SDOP Chetan Adlak said the application had been received and would be investigated