Jharkhand: Violence Erupts as Mob Throws Stones at Mangla Procession in Hazaribagh Before Ram Navami

On March 25th, an Islamist mob threw stones at a Mangla procession near Jama Masjid Chowk in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, around 10:45 PM. The incident reportedly stemmed from the songs played during the procession. Upon receiving the news, senior police officials rushed to the scene with a heavy police presence to restore order. In response, the police used a mild lathi-charge and fired shots into the air to control the situation.

Islamist mob pelted stones at Mangala procession ahead of Ram Navami in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Police had to restore to lathi-charge and aerial firing to disperse crowd. (Image: OpIndia Hindi)

Each year, Mangla processions are organized by the Hindu community ahead of Ram Navami. The incident occurred during the second Tuesday Mangla procession, which saw the participation of various Akhara groups from different areas of the city. The procession had been peaceful as it moved through Jhanda Chowk and the Masjid Gali turn, but the Islamist mob was reportedly provoked by the music being played.

A dispute between the mob and procession participants quickly escalated, leading to stone throwing. In retaliation, some members of the Hindu community also pelted stones. Several nearby shops were damaged during the clash, and the Eid Market was temporarily closed.

Senior police officers, including Hazaribagh City SP Arvind Kumar Singh, SDPO Amit Anand, DSP Amit Kumar, and other officials, arrived at the scene to manage the situation. Despite their initial efforts, the situation did not de-escalate, prompting the police to use force, including mild lathi-charges and four rounds of aerial firing, to disperse the crowd and restore calm.

Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahay confirmed an incident of stone pelting and a physical altercation between two communities during the Mangla procession near Jhanda Chowk. She stated that the songs played during the procession had “provoked” the other side. Additionally, she mentioned that extra police forces have been deployed at the location and assured that the situation remains “peaceful and under control.”

Superintendent of Police (SP) Arvind Kumar Singh urged the public to ignore rumors and confirmed that the situation was normal. He said, “A few individuals have been identified and are being questioned.”

The police have launched an investigation into the matter, utilizing CCTV footage and drone surveillance to identify those involved. Senior officials have appealed to both communities to remain calm.

Past Incident on Maha Shivratri

In recent weeks, this marks the second attack on a Hindu festival in Jharkhand. On February 26, tensions arose in Hazaribagh when a group of Muslims objected to the installation of Mahashivratri flags and loudspeakers. As the dispute intensified, stones were hurled from a nearby madrasa, prompting retaliation from the Hindu side. The confrontation quickly escalated into violence, resulting in multiple vehicles—including a car, two bikes, a tempo, and a shop—being set on fire.

(This Article was originally published by OpIndia)