The Ranchi Police on Friday imposed Section 144 as a precautionary measure in the Nagri area after a clash broke out between two groups during the procession of Mata Saraswati murti visarjan in Jharkhand’s Ranchi, officials said.
There have been many attacks on the Saraswati Mata Murti Visarajan procession in the state, similar to Bihar’s Darbhanga. In all these attacks, Islamists have been identified as perpetrators.
“As of now, the situation is completely peaceful,” Ranchi Police said.
In the Madhupur police station area of Deoghar district, the first incident occurred on Friday, February 16, when Hindus organised a procession for murti visarjan in Chongakhar village. Jaidev Kumar Yadav, a participant in the procession, recounted the events to the media. He mentioned that approximately 25-30 devotees, including women and children, were part of the procession, accompanied by devotional songs playing on a DJ. However, when the procession reached the vicinity of Chongkhar Square Mosque, some individuals from the nearby Muslim community raised objections and protested.
An FIR has been filed on behalf of the affected devotees against about half a dozen identified individuals and 50 unidentified assailants. Jaidev Yadav, who participated in the procession, alleged that one of the accused, Shahabuddin, is involved in illegal activities such as gambling, in addition to working in a brick kiln. He expressed bewilderment regarding the sudden availability of stones used by the attackers. Dhananjay, a local Bajrang Dal official, echoed Jaidev’s claims and hoped for stringent action from the authorities against the accused perpetrators.
Similar tensions broke out in Mukundih village of the Kalubthan area of the district where clashes broke out between Hindus and Muslims over Sarawati Mata visarajn. It has been reported that the Islamists abused Hindu women, as a result of which tensions broke out.
Following tensions, police took control of the situation and maintained law and order in the region.
Further investigations are underway. More details are awaited.
In a disturbing turn of events, a peaceful procession carrying the murti of Maa Saraswati for visarjan (immersion) was viciously attacked by a group of Islamic fundamentalists in Darbhanga, Bihar. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, February 15th, shocked the local community and left many injured.
Reports indicate that the Hindu procession, scheduled to immerse the murti at 5 pm, was proceeding as planned when it was suddenly halted by a conservative Islamic mob. The mob, armed with stones, launched a ferocious assault on the procession, resulting in numerous injuries. Shockingly, the attackers also targeted and demolished the murti of Mata Saraswati.
“Under Bahera Police Station, during idol immersion, a clash broke out between two communities. The officials reached the stop and took the situation under control,” Darbhanga DM Rajeev Raushan told reporters.
Darbhanga DM said that the people who are involved are being identified.
“There was stone pelting between two communities. There is no information on any injuries as of now. Some people have been detained,” he said.
According to the FIR, the procession intended for the immersion of Maa Saraswati murtis installed in Tali Gumti and Muria, was targeted by Islamic fundamentalists as it passed through Hatgachi. The attackers, armed with stones, intercepted the procession, leading to chaos and violence.
The investigation has also unveiled evidence from WhatsApp communications, indicating the formation of a group named ‘Islam Zindabad,’ with seven administrators allegedly involved in planning the attack.
The incident took place in Muria village of Darbhanga district.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about communal harmony and the safety of religious processions in the region. Authorities remain vigilant as they work to ensure justice for the victims and prevent any further escalation of tensions.
