Tension has gripped the town of Panki, where communal clashes erupted between the two communities over an archway for the upcoming Maha Shivaratri festival in Jharkhand on February 15. The incident occurred when the local Hindus got involved in a scuffle with the Muslim community over preparing an archway (Toran Dwar) near the Masjid chowk of the Panki town in Palamu.
It has been reported that the dispute arose when the Muslim community of Panki objected to the traditional decorative hanging ‘Toran dwar’ being built by the Hindus on February 14.
On the next morning, a similar scuffle erupted when the members of the Hindu community gathered near the spot; it’s been reported that one of the members of the Muslim community attacked Niranjan Singh, a member of the local temple committee following which stone pelting got started between the groups.
As per the reports, as soon as the clashes erupted, heavy stone pelting got started from the nearby mosque, in which more than a dozen, including six police personnel, have been reported to be injured; a nearby house and a few of the vehicles parked near the spot has also been set ablaze by the mob.
It’s been reported that more than 100 personnel have been deployed in the vicinity of the spot, and Prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed; meanwhile, the police personnel from the nearby areas, including Pipratand, Lehasiganj and Tarahasi has also been called in view of any further scuffle.
Speaking about the incident SP Palamu town C K Sinha said that the situation is under control with the heavy deployment of the personnel from three police stations, “we have detained a few of the miscreant, strict action will be taken against those who were found to be guilty.”
IG Palamu range Raj Kumar Lakra said that the police had detained some miscreants from either side and senior officials, including the deputy commissioner, have been dispatched to the location.
