Jharkhand: Clash erupts over Shivratri decorations; stones thrown, shops torched
What's the story
A violent clash broke out in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, on Wednesday on the occasion of Maha Shivratri festival. The conflict was triggered by disagreements over hoisting of flags and installation of loudspeakers at Hindustan Chowk. Both warring communities resorted to stone-pelting, leaving several injured. Several vehicles and shops were also set on fire.
Law enforcement
Police intervention restores order after violent clash
The local police stepped in to rein in the growing violence and had to resort to a lathi charge. Injured were rushed to Hazaribagh Sadar Hospital for immediate medical attention. To keep law and order in check after the clash, a heavy police force has been deployed at Hindustan Chowk.
Twitter Post
Visuals of the clash
झारखंड हजारीबाग में शिवरात्रि के पर्व पर दो गुटों में बवाल, कई वाहनों को किया आग के हवाले, कई थानों की फ़ोर्स हजारीबाग के लिए हुई रवाना#Hazaribagh #Mahashivratri2025 pic.twitter.com/8FoEVippQ3
— Arjun Chaudharyy5 (@Arjunpchaudhary) February 26, 2025
Political response
Union Minister condemns violence, blames 'Bangladeshi infiltrators'
Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Ranchi, Sanjay Seth, condemned the violent incident. He said such disturbances are becoming a regular affair during festivals like Saraswati Puja, Ramnavami, and Holi in Jharkhand. Seth pointed fingers at "Bangladeshi infiltrators," accusing them of disrupting peace and law and order in the region.