Hazaribagh: Tensions flared in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district on Wednesday morning after two groups clashed over the installation of flags and the use of loudspeakers during Maha Shivratri celebrations. The confrontation quickly escalated into violence, with reports of stone-pelting and arson. Several people sustained injuries, and multiple two-wheelers were set ablaze amid the chaos. Authorities responded swiftly, deploying a significant security force to control the situation. Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahay assured the public that order had been restored and that senior officers were closely monitoring the area. Speaking to the media, she confirmed that while the initial altercation centered around the sound system in the Ichak area, timely intervention prevented further escalation. Trainee IPS officer Shruti Agarwal also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement and allow religious festivities to proceed peacefully.
The political fallout from the incident was swift, with Union Minister and BJP MP from Ranchi, Sanjay Seth, attributing the violence to “Bangladeshi infiltrators,” a claim that has ignited controversy. Seth accused illegal immigrants of disturbing law and order in Jharkhand and called on Chief Minister Hemant Soren to take decisive action. He further alleged that such clashes were increasingly common in the state, particularly during Hindu festivals like Saraswati Puja, Ram Navami, and Holi, while other BJP-ruled states had successfully curbed such disturbances. His remarks have sparked political debates, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP of communalizing the incident for political gains. The recurring instances of festival-related violence in Jharkhand have intensified demands for stricter law enforcement and preventive measures to maintain communal harmony.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the root cause of the violence, and additional forces remain stationed in the affected area to prevent further unrest. The clash in Hazaribagh adds to a series of similar incidents across India, highlighting growing tensions around public religious expressions. While political leaders continue to trade blame, the focus remains on ensuring that Maha Shivratri celebrations conclude peacefully. Community leaders and law enforcement officials are working together to de-escalate tensions and prevent further outbreaks of violence. Meanwhile, citizens are calling for stronger governance and proactive measures to avoid such conflicts in the future, emphasizing the need for law and order to prevail over political rhetoric.
