JAIPUR: Tensions erupted in Jaipur's Walled City on Friday night, April 25, 2025, following a controversial incident involving BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya. The MLA was booked for allegedly pasting provocative posters reading "Pakistan Murdabad" inside the Jama Masjid, a prominent mosque in the area, during a protest against a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to protests from the local Muslim community and a heavy police presence to maintain order.
According to police reports, the incident unfolded around 8:30 PM when Acharya and his supporters began a protest rally condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. During this rally, the group allegedly placed offensive posters on the mosque premises, which incited outrage among community members.
Eyewitnesses reported that as the protesters approached the mosque, they began shouting slogans and pasting posters, which included inflammatory messages. This action drew immediate backlash from the Muslim community, who gathered to express their anger and demand Acharya's arrest. The police were called to the scene, and several officers from five different police stations were deployed to manage the crowd.
Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph and Additional Police Commissioner Rameshwar Singh arrived to oversee the situation. Despite their efforts to quell the unrest, tensions remained high, leading to a clash between the two groups. Protesters accused Acharya of inciting communal sentiments and disturbing the peace.
Congress MLA Rafiq Khan, who was present during the protests, criticized Acharya's actions. He stated, "This wasn’t merely a protest. This was a deliberate attempt to disturb the peace. We have got an FIR registered and intend to take this up with the higher officials." Khan further alleged that Acharya had entered the mosque with his shoes on, which is considered disrespectful in Islamic culture.
In response to the escalating tensions, Acharya later issued an apology and denied the allegations against him. He claimed that he and his supporters did not enter the mosque but only placed posters on the outer walls. "We were protesting against terrorism and Pakistan," he asserted, attempting to clarify his intentions. However, this explanation did little to ease the anger of the protesters, who felt their religious sentiments had been disrespected.
As the night progressed, the protests intensified, prompting police to use lathi charge to disperse the crowd. The Johari Bazaar area was effectively shut down, and police barricades were established to prevent further escalation. Videos circulating on social media showed Acharya and his supporters pasting posters inside the mosque, further inflaming community outrage.
Jama Masjid Secretary Zahirullah Khan, who filed the FIR against Acharya, expressed his community's frustration: "Isha Namaz was in progress at the mosque when MLA Balmukund Acharya arrived with his supporters. He kicked the posters of Pakistan, and we agree with that action. But they also brought other offensive posters that hurt the sentiments of our community."
In the wake of the incident, Acharya appealed to the public to refrain from participating in a proposed bandh (shutdown) in Jaipur. He urged people to keep the markets open and to unite against terrorism rather than each other. "This is a conspiracy to divide us along religious lines," he stated, emphasizing the need for solidarity among the people of Jaipur.
The police have since implemented heightened security measures throughout the city, particularly in sensitive areas, to prevent further unrest. Additional police units, including Rapid Action Force and State Task Force, have been deployed to ensure public safety.
As the situation develops, community leaders from both sides are calling for calm and dialogue to address the underlying tensions. The FIR against Acharya has been formally lodged at the Manak Chowk police station, and legal action is underway. The police are monitoring the situation closely, and the community remains on edge as they await further developments.
This incident highlights the fragile nature of communal relations in the region and the potential for political actions to incite unrest. As Jaipur grapples with the aftermath of this controversy, the focus will likely shift to how local leaders and law enforcement manage the ongoing tensions and work towards restoring peace in the community.
