if Hazaribagh becomes 'epicentre of experiment' following Ram Navami violence
Public Lokpal
March 26, 2025
if Hazaribagh becomes 'epicentre of experiment' following Ram Navami violence
HAZARIBAG: Stones were allegedly pelted during a religious procession in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district triggering tension in the area, police said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred near Jama Masjid Chowk around 11 pm on Tuesday when a Mangla procession was underway as part of the Ram Navami celebration, said Hazaribag sub-divisional police officer Parameshwar Kamti.
He said stones were pelted from both sides.
Police resorted to firing in the air to bring the situation under control, another officer said.
The police, however, claimed that the situation was under control and security deployment was ensured at the incident site.
"The exact reason for stone-throwing is yet to be ascertained. The people involved in the incident are being identified and they will be nabbed soon," he said.
According to locals, a dispute arose between two groups over the playing of communal songs, after which the situation escalated into stone-pelting, with stones being thrown from both sides.
An FIR has been filed against 10 named individuals and 200 unidentified people in connection with the incident.
Following a complaint from a deployed magistrate, the police have registered a case against five individuals from each community, along with 200 unidentified persons.
The Jharkhand Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on Wednesday over the "stone-pelting."
Trooping into the Well of the House, the BJP MLAs demanded stern action against the perpetrators and proper security arrangements during Hindu festivals.
The government assured the House that action would be taken against elements creating disturbances in a bid to maintain the communal harmony of the state.
As the House assembled for the day at around 11 am, BJP legislators raised the Hazaribag issue and demanded a discussion on it.
The MLAs trooped into the well of the House in support of their demand.
The Speaker urged them to allow the Question Hour to proceed.
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi said the incident that occurred in Hazaribag was not only serious but also sad.
"Why are disturbances created only during Hindu festivals, while no such incidents happen during others' festivals? Such incidents encourage disturbing elements. I urge the government to take cognizance of the incident and take serious action," Marandi said in the House.
He also urged the government to use modern technologies such as drones, CCTV cameras, and other technical gadgets to identify people who throw stones and bottles at processions.
In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radha Krishna Kishore said the incident was under the government's cognizance.
"The government will investigate the reasons behind the incident and take appropriate action. The government is serious about maintaining communal harmony of the state," Kishore said.
Kishore assured that after gathering details of the incident, he would inform the House in the second half.
Thereafter, the day's proceedings in the House began.
Agency
