Odhav residents clash over bhajan-kirtan in society temple; no outside miscreants involved, say police

A verbal dispute broke out on Friday at a residential society in Ahmedabad’s Odhav area over devotional singing, prompting police intervention. The incident occurred at Shridhar Residency, where a group of women residents had organised a bhajan-kirtan session using a loudspeaker in the society temple.

According to police officials, the devotional gathering was objected to by a fellow resident who lives in a flat adjacent to the temple. The individual reportedly approached the women and asked them to stop the singing, citing disturbance. This led to a heated exchange between the two parties, escalating into a minor altercation.

Police clarified that contrary to circulating rumours and social media speculation, no external anti-social elements were involved in the incident. “There was no attack or interference from any outsiders, rowdy elements or miscreants. The scuffle was limited to a disagreement among residents,” said an senior official from the Odhav police station.

Two individuals involved in the argument were briefly rounded up for questioning to maintain peace in the locality. Both accused are long-time residents of the society, which has been in existence for four years.

Senior police officials are monitoring the situation and have appealed to the residents to resolve such matters amicably and not allow religious or community events to become flashpoints for internal discord. No injuries or property damage have been reported, and no formal complaint has been registered as of now.