The flare-up, which police say originated from a road-side argument the previous day, prompted a rapid response from local law enforcement and disrupted traffic on a key highway stretch connecting Jalore and Barmer districts in western Rajasthan.

How the incident unfolded

Sarwana Station House Officer Mohanram Kumawat said the control room received a call at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday reporting an altercation between two groups on NH-925A in Vediya village. "A team from Sarwana police station and the Dungri police post reached the spot, and two persons have been detained for questioning," Kumawat said.

According to the police account, the trigger dated back to Tuesday, when Bhajanlal, a resident of Bhimguda in Sarwana, and Raghunathram, a resident of Chitradi Sedwa in Bakhasar, Barmer, argued over a vehicle giving way on the road.

On Wednesday, an unregistered pickup truck — allegedly belonging to Raghunathram — struck a Hyundai i20 car belonging to Bhajanlal that was parked for repairs outside a shop owned by a man identified as Magaram, police said. The pickup then collided with Magaram's camper vehicle.

Vehicles vandalised, three hospitalised

Following the collisions, members of both sides confronted each other on the highway. The confrontation escalated into a physical scuffle, with sticks used to smash windows of a pickup vehicle, according to police.

Three persons from one side — identified by police as Bhajanlal son of Kisanaram, Bhajanlal son of Hingaram, and Sohanlal son of Magaram — sustained injuries. Dayaram son of Ramchandraram, from the opposing group, was also hurt. Shop owner Magaram took refuge inside his home to avoid the violence, police said.

Police action and seizures

In an official statement posted on X at 9:59 p.m. on May 27, the Jalore Police confirmed that the Circle Officer (CO) Sanchore and the SHO of Sarwana police station reached the spot after being alerted. "Both sides are filing cross-complaints regarding the incident. The injured have been medically examined. Two persons have been detained and five vehicles have been seized by police," the Jalore Police said.

Sarwana Circle Inspector Mohanlal Kumawat identified the two detained men as Dayaram and Pappuram. He added that three damaged vehicles, along with two unregistered vehicles, have been taken into police custody.

Background and broader context

NH-925A runs through parts of Jalore and Barmer districts, linking several rural settlements where minor traffic disagreements have, on occasion, escalated into community-level disputes. Rajasthan Police data on rural road-rage incidents in the western belt has not been publicly updated for 2026.

Cross-complaints from both groups are being recorded, and formal First Information Reports (FIRs) are expected to follow based on medical reports and witness statements. No arrests beyond the two detentions have been confirmed at the time of filing.

Acting on a tip-off, the ACB’s Barmer unit, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General of Police (Jodhpur Range) Bhuvan Bhushan Yadav, executed the operation. The head constable allegedly demanded the bribe from a lawyer representing clients involved in a case registered at Sarwana Police Station. According to ACB’s Additional Director General of Police (In-Charge) Smita Srivastava, Bhanwarlal, as the investigating officer, sought ₹50,000 to ensure that two or more co-accused individuals, beyond those already named in the First Information Report (FIR), would not be implicated in the case and to provide favorable cooperation in the investigation.

The complainant, a lawyer acting on behalf of the accused, reported the bribe demand to the ACB’s Barmer unit. Following verification of the complaint, a trap was meticulously planned. Additional Superintendent of Police Narendra Kumar, leading the Barmer ACB team, executed the operation, catching Bhanwarlal in the act of accepting the predetermined bribe amount of ₹50,000. The cash was recovered and seized from the accused, who was subsequently taken into custody for further interrogation.

The ACB has registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and investigations are ongoing to uncover additional details. This arrest underscores the bureau’s commitment to rooting out corruption within public institutions. Smita Srivastava emphasized that the ACB remains vigilant in addressing complaints of corrupt practices, ensuring swift and decisive action against offenders. The operation has sent a strong message to public servants engaging in illicit activities, reinforcing Rajasthan’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.

This incident adds to a series of anti-corruption actions in Rajasthan, highlighting the pervasive issue of bribery in administrative and law enforcement sectors. The ACB’s proactive measures aim to restore public trust and uphold transparency in governance. Further updates on the case, including potential additional charges or findings, are expected as the investigation progresses.

Due to deteriorating health, the hunger strike of former minister Sukhram Bishnoi and 19 others was called off by District Collector Shakti Singh Rathore.

The hunger strike, which had been ongoing for four days, was part of a protest to retain Sanchore as a district. Under the advice of doctors, the district collector ended the hunger strike by offering juice to the participants. Medical experts had warned that continuing the strike at this age posed significant health risks to the former minister, who was forced to end the strike as his condition worsened. However, the protest continues, demanding a clear statement from the government on the district’s future.

In response to the call by the "Sanchore District Preservation Committee," the entire town, along with surrounding areas, observed a complete shutdown. The administration remained on high alert, monitoring the protest site and preparing for potential blockades on the highway. Local markets, private hospitals, and schools remained closed, while students from government schools also held protest rallies outside their campuses.

The district collector, accompanied by other officials, met with the protesters to negotiate. Although the hunger strike ended, the protest is expected to continue until the government provides a clear response regarding the status of Sanchore as a district.

Additionally, parking arrangements for vehicles were set up near the protest site at the local high school playground, Lord Buddha College, and nearby markets. Water tankers, sponsored by local donors, were also stationed near the protest venue to ensure drinking water availability.