Celebrations following India’s victory in the Champions Trophy turned violent in Mau, Madhya Pradesh, sparking communal tensions. Allegations emerged that stones were thrown from near a mosque during a celebratory procession, leading to chaos and clashes between groups. The situation escalated quickly as enraged crowds set fire to several shops and vehicles. In response, police shaved the heads of nine young men, an act that has since drawn significant controversy.

The incident led to the arrest of 12 individuals from minority communities. However, questions have been raised about why only nine youths were singled out for this unusual punishment. BJP legislator Gayatri Pawar criticized the police action, arguing that these young men had no criminal records and questioning the rationale behind humiliating them publicly. Meanwhile, Additional Superintendent of Police Rupesh Dwivedi stated that trouble began when slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” were chanted near the mosque as people were leaving after evening prayers.

Maulana Jabir, in charge of the Jamia Mosque, claimed that some individuals attempted to light fireworks inside the mosque premises during the celebrations, which triggered objections and counterattacks. While CCTV footage is being reviewed, no concrete evidence supporting this claim has yet surfaced. Four FIRs have been filed regarding the clashes, including one by Muslim community members. Politicians have weighed in, with BJP MLA Usha Thakur asserting that anti-national elements instigated the violence. She called for strict legal action against those responsible while emphasizing the need to curb divisive mindsets.