Tension gripped the Ramkanda police station area of Garhwa district following a violent stone-pelting incident during a Mahashtami procession on Thursday night.
The clash left several people injured, including six police personnel, prompting swift action by authorities to restore order.
According to officials, the incident occurred when a procession taken out on the eve of Ram Navami came under attack near the Kauakhoh Shiv Chabutra.
One community alleged that members of another group attempted to stop the procession, leading to a heated argument that quickly escalated into stone-pelting.
The sudden violence created panic in the area and disrupted the otherwise festive atmosphere.
Police responded promptly, deploying forces to the spot and using mild force, including a baton charge and tear gas shells, to disperse the crowd. The situation was brought under control after sustained efforts by the administration.
Senior officials, including Palamu DIG Kaushal Kishore and Garhwa SP Aman Kumar, visited the site to assess the situation and oversee security arrangements.
The area has since been converted into a virtual police cantonment, with heavy deployment of forces to prevent any further escalation.
DIG Kaushal Kishore stated that the procession was being conducted under police protection when it was targeted with stones.
“The situation is currently under control. Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he said, adding that the injured are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
SP Aman Kumar revealed that tensions between the two communities had surfaced a day earlier over the route and conduct of the procession, but an agreement had been reached to proceed peacefully. However, attempts by some individuals to halt the procession triggered the clash.
In a major crackdown, police have arrested 19 individuals in connection with the violence. Among them, 13 are reported to be from one community and six from the other.
Authorities have also seized 18 motorcycles and nine mobile phones from the scene as part of the investigation.
Cases have been registered against both sides, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other suspects involved in the incident. In addition, the officer-in-charge of the concerned police station has been transferred to police lines following the incident.
Also read: Poster drive intensified against Maoists in Saranda
Follow us
