Communal Clash During Saraswati Idol Immersion Injures Six in Jharkhand's Badih Village
In a disturbing incident that has shaken the peaceful environs of rural Jharkhand, around half a dozen individuals sustained injuries during a violent confrontation between two communities. The clash erupted on Sunday morning in Badih village, located in the Lohardaga district, coinciding with the immersion ceremony of a Saraswati idol.
Severity of Injuries and Police Response
Of those injured, two individuals were reported to be in a critical condition and were promptly referred to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi for advanced medical care. The remaining victims received primary treatment at local facilities and were subsequently released, according to official police statements.
A substantial police contingent, spearheaded by Superintendent of Police (SP) Sadique Anwar Rizvi, has been deployed to the tension-ridden village. The team includes key officers such as Lohardaga Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Amit Kumar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Shradha Kerketta, and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sameer Tirkey, all of whom rushed to the scene to manage the volatile situation.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Violence
The roots of the conflict trace back to Saturday evening when a vehicle transporting the Saraswati idol for immersion accidentally brushed against a thatched house in the village. This minor incident quickly escalated as the house owner, allegedly belonging to the minority community, assaulted the driver, who also hails from the same community.
Members of the other community, who were participating in the religious procession, protested against this assault, sparking an initial clash. Fortunately, local village leaders intervened, temporarily resolving the matter and restoring calm.
However, tensions reignited on Sunday morning, culminating in intense stone-pelting between the groups. The violence resulted in multiple injuries and necessitated the heavy police deployment that remains in place to prevent further unrest.
Current Situation and Official Statements
By evening, police officials confirmed that the situation was under control, though the area continues to be monitored closely with a robust police presence. SP Rizvi emphasized the efforts to maintain peace, stating, "We held a peace committee meeting in the village. The situation is under control now. Two people injured in the clash are recovering at RIMS. Some others sustained only mild injuries."
This incident underscores the fragile communal harmony in the region and highlights the challenges faced by authorities during religious events. The police are maintaining vigilance to ensure no further outbreaks of violence occur in Badih village.
