Gwalior: A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, following allegations of desecration of a photograph of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar during an unauthorised procession in Gwalior on January 1, 2026. The FIR, numbered 0001 of 2026, was registered at the Crime Branch police station, Gwalior, on the same day. One of the main accused, Anil Mishra, has been arrested, according to the information cited in the complaint and subsequent police action.
As per the First Information Report, the incident allegedly occurred near the City Centre Patel Nagar Tiraha, located approximately 0.2 km northwest of the Crime Branch police station. The complainant, Makarand Bauddh, along with other applicants, Keshav Ahirwar, Ravi Katoria, Swatantrata Parashar, and Rambabu Jatav, submitted a written application alleging that an unauthorised procession was taken out without prior permission from the administration. The procession was reportedly led by Anil Mishra.
The complaint alleges that during the procession, several individuals, including Mohit Rishishwar alias Mohit Sharma, Amit Dubey, Dhyanendra Sharma, Kuldeep Kankeria, Amit Bhadoria, and others, burned and trampled a photograph of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar under their shoes. The accused are also alleged to have raised derogatory slogans, including “Down with Sakpal,” during the act.
The complainants stated that the act deeply hurt their sentiments and caused widespread anguish within the community. They further alleged that a video of the incident was circulated on social media by Gaurav Vyas, which led to public outrage and heightened social tensions. According to the FIR, the circulation of the video allegedly contributed to a sense of caste-based insecurity and fear, and disturbed public peace in the area.
Police have also noted that the alleged procession violated an administrative order, issued by the Office of the Collector and District Magistrate, Gwalior. The order reportedly prohibited such activities without official permission. The complainants have claimed that all the accused belong to upper castes and that their actions amounted to an intentional insult directed at members of the Scheduled Castes, with the objective of inciting caste-based conflict.
Based on the prima facie assessment, the Crime Branch registered offences under Sections 223(b), 196(1)(a), 196(1)(b), 353(1)(c), 353(2), and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. In addition, provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, specifically Sections 3(1)(u) and 3(1)(v), have been invoked. These sections pertain to intentionally insulting or intimidating members of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes with intent to humiliate them in public view and acts promoting social hatred.
The FIR was recorded on the basis of written information, with the general diary entry. The investigating officer, Amit Sharma, Acting Inspector and Station House Officer of the Crime Branch, stated in the FIR that the allegations disclosed cognisable offences warranting investigation. The case has since been taken up for further probe.
Police sources indicated that Anil Mishra has been arrested in connection with the case, while efforts are ongoing to trace and question the other named accused. Authorities are also examining the social media video allegedly linked to the incident to ascertain its authenticity, identify those involved, and determine the extent of circulation.
Meanwhile, the incident has drawn attention from various social groups, with calls for strict action against those responsible. Law enforcement officials have appealed for calm and assured that the investigation will be conducted in accordance with the law, and that any attempt to disturb communal harmony will be dealt with firmly.
