Tensions Flare in Hazaribagh: Clash Between Two Communities During Yagya and Procession

Key Points of the Incident

• Stone pelting and arson occurred during a religious procession in Barkattha, Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand.
• The clash began near a mosque during simultaneous religious events.
• Several rooms caught fire, but the situation is now under control following police intervention.
• Similar communal clashes have been reported in Hazaribagh in recent months during festivals like Ram Navami and Maha Shivratri.

Hazaribagh: On Sunday, April 13, 2025, communal tensions erupted in Barkattha area of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, during simultaneous religious events a yagya and a procession. The clash occurred near a mosque, leading to stone pelting between two groups and the burning of straw stacks.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Arvind Kumar Singh confirmed the incident, stating, “The situation escalated when the procession passed near the mosque. Stones were pelted, and straw piles were set on fire. The situation is under control now, and an FIR will be registered.”

Fire Breaks Out Amid Chaos

During the clash, several rooms caught fire, causing panic among residents. SK Singh, Head Constable of Koderma Fire Station, reported that “4-5 rooms were burning when we arrived. The fire brigade extinguished the flames swiftly, and the situation has normalized.”

Recurring Communal Clashes in Hazaribagh

Hazaribagh has witnessed multiple communal clashes in recent months:

1. Ram Navami Procession (March 26): A scuffle broke out during a Mangala Julus procession at Jhanda Chowk over objectionable songs being played. Stone pelting ensued between two groups before security forces controlled the situation.
2. Maha Shivratri Celebrations (February 26): A dispute over flags and loudspeakers escalated into violence in Ichak block. Several vehicles were set ablaze during the clashes.

Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahay stated after the Ram Navami incident that “security forces acted promptly to prevent escalation.” Additional police forces have since been deployed in sensitive areas of Hazaribagh to maintain peace.

Police Action and Security Measures

Authorities have ramped up security across Hazaribagh following these incidents:

• Senior police officials are camping at sensitive locations to prevent further unrest.
• Surveillance tools like drone cameras are being used to monitor processions closely.
• Investigations are underway using CCTV footage to identify miscreants involved in recent clashes.

SP Arvind Kumar Singh has appealed to residents to avoid rumors and maintain peace amidst ongoing religious festivities like Ram Navami and Sarhul.

Impact on Local Life

The clashes disrupted normalcy in Barkattha:

• Traffic on NH-2 (Delhi-Kolkata Highway) was temporarily halted due to protests following the incident.
• Residents have expressed concerns over recurring communal tensions during festivals.

Summary of Recent Incidents:

The administration continues to monitor the situation closely while urging communities to uphold harmony during ongoing festivities.