Jharkhand: Communal clashes break out over loudspeaker use on Maha Shivratri

A communal clash erupted in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district on Wednesday over the use of loudspeakers and display of flags during celebrations for the Hindu festival of Maha Shivratri, PTI reported.

The incident occurred in Dumraun village’s Ichak block when a group of people objected to the flags and loudspeakers being placed near a madrasa, Ichak Block Development Officer Santosh Kumar told The Indian Express. The disagreement quickly escalated to stone-throwing and arson.

Several people were injured in the clash and taken to the Hazaribagh civil hospital, India Today reported. Three motorcycles and a car were set on fire in the violence, The Indian Express reported.

“Adequate forces have been deployed and senior officers are camping at the site,” Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner of Police Nancy Sahay was quoted as saying by ANI. “As of now [the] situation is under control and peaceful.”

#WATCH | Jharkhand | Scuffle and stone pelting incident took place this morning in Ichak area of Hazaribagh district; Adequate security forces deployed in the area

A scuffle and stone pelting took place this morning over using a sound system in Ichak area of Hazaribagh district.… pic.twitter.com/o7xjgsuJyl— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2025

The two communities have been in talks to “resolve the issue”, Kumar told The Indian Express.

The newspaper did not clarify whether the communities were from different religions but quoted Kumar as saying that they...

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