Shops vandalised, roads blocked in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district as interfaith couple elope, locals allege abduction

NEW DELHI: Violence broke out in the Sanaudha locality of Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district after an interfaith couple fled together, triggering unrest, according to news agency ANI.
Several shops were vandalised, and the administration had to deploy additional police forces to bring the situation under control.
Sagar collector Sandeep GR confirmed that law and order had been restored and urged residents to maintain peace. "Our entire police force, including the DSP and SP, was mobilised immediately. The situation is now under control," he said. An FIR is likely to be registered, he added.
However, locals and BJP MLA Pradeep Lariya have claimed that the incident was not a consensual elopement but a case of abduction. Lariya alleged that the man involved has a criminal background and is known for gambling, illegal alcohol trade, and encroaching on government land. He further referred to the situation as a suspected case of "Love Jihad" and demanded strict action.
Residents also accused the local police of inaction and claimed that despite submitting names in their complaint, the FIR was filed as a missing person’s report without naming the accused. They further alleged that the man in question is involved in multiple illegal activities and enjoys police protection.
On Friday, protests intensified in Sanaudha. Locals blocked roads and staged demonstrations. Stone-pelting was also reported after a protester was injured during a police lathi charge, escalating tensions briefly before forces managed to disperse the crowd.
Authorities have assured that they are looking into both the incident and the allegations against the police, with the SP reportedly saying that some officers may face suspension following an inquiry