Overview

• The annual event on August 23 unfolded on the Jam River between Pandhurna and Sawargaon after prayers at the Chandi Mata temple, following the tradition of defending a palash tree and flag.
• Injury counts varied widely, from 22–25 reported by Superintendent S.S. Kanesh in the morning to 934 cited by Deccan Chronicle, while another outlet reported around 1,000 injured with two villagers critically hurt.
• Roughly 600 police personnel, GPS-coordinated posts, drones and CCTV were deployed alongside 10–12 medical camps, 16 ambulances and a medical team including dozens of doctors.
• The district administration had urged a symbolic observance without stone-throwing, yet stones were hurled from both sides until the flag ritual concluded.
• Pandhurna police said no complaint was filed and no case has been registered, and local accounts note at least 13 deaths linked to the fair since 1955.