At least four people sustained injuries in the town of Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, following clashes that erupted when firecrackers were set off outside a mosque during celebrations of India’s Champions Trophy victory.
India secured the Champions Trophy title after defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final held in Dubai, marking its second consecutive global triumph.
Authorities reported that the violence involved stone pelting from both groups, resulting in damage to shops, vehicles, and motorcycles. The unrest occurred in the town, located around 200 km from Bhopal, the state capital.
Senior police officer Hitika Vasal stated that tensions escalated after individuals in a victory procession ignited firecrackers near the mosque, leading to a dispute between the two groups.
Law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, according to local media reports.
Video footage from the scene depicted deserted streets with police personnel in riot gear, alongside vehicles with shattered windows and scorched exteriors. The visuals also captured broken glass scattered on roads and ransacked shops.
Police officer Nimish Agarwal assured that the situation had been brought under control, with additional patrols deployed in sensitive areas.
Incidents of violence linked to cricket celebrations have been reported in the past. Last month, authorities in Maharashtra used force to manage crowds celebrating India’s win over Pakistan in the same tournament.
Critics have frequently accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration of discrimination against Muslims, allegations that the government has consistently denied.