Madhya Pradesh High Court Seeks State's Response To PIL Seeking NIA Probe Into 'Mock Blast' During Muharram Procession In Ujjain
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted a week to the State to seek instructions on whether the investigation into the explosions that occurred on June 23, 2026, during a Muharram procession would be conducted by the National Investigation Agency.
The bench of Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Alok Awasthi recorded:
"Learned Addl. A.G. seeks and is granted a week's time to take instructions in the matter as counsel for the petitioner has submitted that the incident which took place on 23/06/2026 at Badnagar, District Ujjain (M.P.) relates to scheduled offence as provided under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 and thus, the investigation has to be conducted by the NIA only. Let the matter be listed in the next week".
Per the petition, a 'mock terrorist incident' occured on the night of the procession. It was claimed that a Tata Magic Van was airlifted about 40 feet into the air and a massive explosion occured inside the vehicle, blowing it into pieces.
The petition further stated that two youths stood on the suspended vehicle waving red flags shouting slogans. It was further claimed that the crowd was celebrating the explosion, shouting 'Nara-e-Takbeer Allahu Akbar', i.e. Allah is the Greatest.
The petition also referred to a similar incident that occurred in Delhi in November 2025, wherein a car laden with explosives blew up near the Red Fort, leading to the deaths of 12 people and injuries to 32.
The petition also stated that the police authorities, before concluding the investigation, informed the media that firecrackers were placed in the closed vehicle and no other explosive substance was found. However, the police statement does not support the gravity of the explosion.
The petition stated that no stringent action was taken by the police other than registering an FIR and arresting 3 people. The petition stated that no action was taken under the National Security Act of 1980.
The petition raises questions over the safety measures of the district administration, noting that the Mahakal Sawari, one of the largest and most significant religious processions in the country, is scheduled for August 3, 2026.
Therefore, the petitioner, through this public interest litigation, seeks an inquiry into the aforementioned incident by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the National Investigating Agency (NIA). The petition also sought actions against the accused under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
Case Title: Sumit Hardiya v State of Madhya Pradesh, WP-25430-2026
For Petitioner: Advocate Jayesh Gurnani
For State: Additional Advocate General Rahul Sethi with Advocate Astha Nagori