Kolkata, May 28, 2026: Expressing deep anguish over the tragic death of two revered Jain Aryika Matajis in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, under disturbing circumstances during a recent road incident, Sakal Jain Samaj, Kolkata has strongly condemned the episode and demanded urgent action to ensure justice, accountability, and long-term protection for Jain saints and ascetics across the country.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club, Kolkata, community leaders including Vinod Kumar Kala, Jitendra Kala, Kamal Nayan Jain, Ajit Sethi, Amit Kothari, Mahendra Patni, Kamal Dugar, Ratan Dugar, Sanjay Jain and several other representatives voiced serious concerns over recurring incidents affecting Jain Sants and Sadhvis during their Vihar (religious foot journeys).
The Jain community stated that the Rewa incident has generated widespread concern among Jains across India and raised critical questions regarding the safety and dignity of Jain ascetics, who dedicate their lives to non-violence, austerity, compassion, and spiritual upliftment.
To express grief, solidarity, and peaceful protest, Sakal Jain Samaj, Kolkata will organise a Massive Silent Rally on Saturday, May 30, 2026, beginning at 7:30 a.m. from Shri Digambar Jain Bada Mandirji, 1 Bysack Lane, Kolkata. The rally will proceed through Kalakar Street, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brabourne Road, Tea Board, Ezra Street, Bentinck Street and Dharmatolla before concluding at Metro Channel, Esplanade, where community leaders will address the gathering.
Following the rally, a delegation will proceed to Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum to the Governor of West Bengal, urging immediate intervention and a high-level investigation into the Rewa incident.
Community representatives said that publicly available reports, videos, and surrounding circumstances have created significant apprehension among members of the Jain community. They have demanded a fair, transparent, impartial and time-bound investigation to establish the facts and ensure strict legal action against those found responsible.
Highlighting the vulnerable nature of Jain ascetics’ lifestyle, community leaders noted that Jain saints and sadhvis travel barefoot without vehicles, personal security or material comforts while spreading the values of Ahimsa, restraint and compassion. Repeated accidents and attacks involving Jain ascetics have therefore become a matter of concern for both the Jain community and society at large.
Sakal Jain Samaj, Kolkata has called upon the Central Government and concerned State Governments to formulate and implement a comprehensive “Sant Suraksha Protocol” for Jain saints undertaking Vihar. The proposed measures include police coordination, traffic regulation, highway safety assistance, route protection, warning signage and emergency response mechanisms.
The organisation has further demanded a National Sant Safety Policy, uniform Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for ascetics travelling on foot, preservation of all CCTV and digital evidence related to the Rewa incident, and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
Reaffirming its commitment to non-violence, constitutional values and peaceful democratic expression, the Jain community appealed to citizens, media organisations and authorities to support efforts aimed at ensuring the safety, dignity and justice of Jain saints and sadhvis across India.