Hazaribagh on boil as clashes erupt over songs during pre-Ram Navami procession

Violence erupted between two factions in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, during the Mangla Julus event, which took place before Ram Navami, on Tuesday night. The event occurred when the procession’s leading group performed certain songs, which another group protested against.

The problem resulted in a fierce dispute that rapidly intensified into a brawl and stone throwing at Jhanda Chowk in Hazaribagh. The police took prompt action to stop the situation from escalating, employing baton charges and even firing four rounds into the air to scatter the crowd.

In accordance with tradition, the Mangla Julus procession takes place every Tuesday following Holi in the lead-up to Ram Navami. This year, Ram Navami is on April 6. On Tuesday, different Akharas participated in the Mangla Julus parade. A large police presence has been stationed at the location to ensure law and order.

Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahay stated that the situation was calm and managed, with sufficient forces positioned at the location. Union Minister and BJP MP Sanjay Seth criticized the Hemant Soren-led government regarding the event, emphasizing that violence had turned into a consistent issue in Jharkhand.

The minister claimed that infiltrators from Bangladesh were responsible for causing disturbances in law and order, a concern highlighted by Home Minister Amit Shah during the Assembly elections.

“Violence breaks out during idol immersion after Saraswati Puja. Violence breaks out during Ram Navami, during Holi, during Shiv Barat. Who are the people who want to affect peace?… Nowhere in the country does violence happen. It happens in Jharkhand. Why? Because Bangladeshi infiltrators are affecting the demography and law and order,” Seth said.