Stones pelted, vehicles torched in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh over Mahashivratri celebrations

Hazaribagh clashes

A communal clash broke out in Dumraon village under Ichak Block of Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district on Wednesday morning during Shivratri celebrations.

The incident, according to an Indian Express report, triggered by a dispute over the installation of religious flags, and a loudspeaker resulted in violence. Vehicles were torched with reported incidences of stone-pelting between the two groups.

According to Ichak Block Development Officer (BDO) Santosh Kumar, the altercation began when one group objected to the placement of religious flags and a loudspeaker in front of a school by members of another community. The argument quickly escalated into stone-pelting and vandalism.

Three motorcycles and a car were set ablaze during the violence, according to Hazaribagh Additional Superintendent of Police, Amit Kumar. An FIR has been registered, and the police are searching for more accused involved in the incident.

To prevent further escalation, a 150-member police force has been deployed at the site, with more personnel on standby.

Meanwhile, local officials and community representatives are trying to resolve the conflict.

According to the officials, tensions between the two communities had surfaced earlier over a "minar-like structure" inside a madrasa. The situation worsened when loudspeakers were installed near the madrasa, leading to Wednesday’s clash.

The situation is currently under control, said police.