Tension erupts in Jharkhand's Garhwa after Durga idol immersion blocked, multiple injured

Tensions erupted in Lakhna village, Garhwa district, Jharkhand, during the Durga idol immersion. Members of one community allegedly blocked the route traditionally used for the ritual, claiming that immersion had not occurred through this path in previous years. This led to a standoff that lasted several hours, causing a significant uproar in the village.

As the situation escalated, stone pelting broke out between the two groups, resulting in injuries to three individuals, including a woman. Two of the injured are receiving treatment at the hospital, while one person has been discharged after first aid. Reports suggest that tensions remained high as residents grappled with the disruption of the immersion ceremony.

The police arrived promptly on the scene to manage the situation and deployed a heavy force to control the crowd. In response to escalating violence, law enforcement resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the gathered crowd. Reports from the nearby Matgadi village indicated that tensions flared there as well, resulting in serious injuries among police personnel, including DSP Rahul, who suffered a head injury during the conflict. Tear gas was reportedly used by the police for self-defense to regain control.

Garhwa Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar Pandey confirmed that peace has been restored in Lakhna village and that the situation is currently under control. A significant police presence remains in place to maintain order and prevent further clashes. The local administration is actively mediating between the conflicting parties to address the grievances surrounding the idol immersion route.

Babulal Marandi, the President of Jharkhand BJP and former Chief Minister, took to social media to voice his concerns over the incident. In a post, he accused members of the minority community of inciting religious tension by stopping the immersion for several hours. He criticized the police for not taking more decisive action, urging the Director General of Jharkhand Police to intervene and ensure that the immersion proceeded without further disruption. He expressed that inaction could lead to a deterioration of social harmony in the area.

Local leaders, including former MLA Satyendra Nath Tiwari, also visited the site to assess the situation and encourage dialogue between the communities. Tiwari emphasized the need to respect religious sentiments and called for unity to prevent further escalations. As of now, the Durga idol immersion has been completed following negotiations, but residents remain on edge.