The journalists were subsequently taken to Chirayu Hospital on the outskirts of Bhopal, where Sharma is being treated for multiple injuries.

Taking cognisance of the alleged assault, MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav, who also holds the state home affairs portfolio, directed State DGP Kailash Makwana on Sunday evening to ensure a senior officer probes the incident.

The Chief Minister also instructed the Bhopal district administration to provide the best possible medical care for the senior journalist, with all expenses to be borne by the government.

Ashta, a communally sensitive town in central Madhya Pradesh, had witnessed clashes between Karni Sena activists and the minority community on the night of 21 December, following a minor dispute related to urination and parking. Since then, the town has remained under heavy police security, owing to separate protests by right-wing Hindu groups and the minority community.

So far, ten individuals from the minority community have been arrested in connection with the 21 December incident, while arrests relating to the other side are still pending.