Authorities in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district have invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against two individuals allegedly involved in the communal violence that erupted in Mhow during a victory procession celebrating India’s triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy final. The riots, which broke out on Sunday night, have so far led to the registration of nine FIRs against more than 50 accused and the arrest of 13 individuals, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The NSA was invoked to prevent any further deterioration of law and order following the violent clashes that marred the celebratory rally. In an official release, the district administration stated that Collector and District Magistrate Ashish Singh ordered the action under the NSA based on a detailed report submitted by the Superintendent of Police (Indore Rural). The two men booked under the stringent law have been identified as Sohail Qureshi, a resident of Batkh Mohalla in Mhow and Ejaz Khan from Kanchan Vihar Khan Colony in the same town.

"In order to maintain peace and law and order in Indore, Collector and District Magistrate Ashish Singh has taken action under the National Security Act (NSA) against two persons involved in criminal activities," the release stated, as reported by news agency PTI.

The violence broke out when a group of people attacked a motorcycle rally celebrating India’s cricket victory. According to the district administration’s statement, the rally, carrying the national flag and attended by many young people and children, was moving peacefully through Moti Mahal Square when the accused allegedly launched a coordinated attack to disrupt the event and disturb communal harmony.

The official release noted, "The accused conspired to spoil communal harmony and pelted stones and bricks at the procession, causing injuries and spreading fear in the area." The violence led to injuries among participants and caused considerable tension in the town, prompting immediate police action.

Both Sohail Qureshi and Ejaz Khan are accused of engaging in multiple criminal offenses, including issuing death threats, hurling abuse, vandalising, physically assaulting people, and instigating communal tension. The administration stressed that these individuals posed a continuing threat to public peace.

The statement said, "There is a strong possibility of public order being severely affected by the acts of the accused, and to maintain peace and law and order in the district, action under the NSA has been deemed necessary."

Police had initially registered seven FIRs based on complaints filed by members of both groups involved in the incident. However, as investigations continued, two additional FIRs were registered, bringing the total number to nine. So far, 13 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, and authorities have identified over 50 individuals named across the FIRs.

The situation in Mhow remains under close watch, with the district administration and police taking firm steps to prevent further disturbances. The imposition of the National Security Act on the key accused underscores the seriousness with which the administration is handling the issue. By invoking NSA, authorities aim to send a strong message against any attempts to disrupt communal peace and ensure that law and order prevail in the district following the violent clashes.