Around six people got injured in a clash between two groups during a Muharram procession in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Wednesday night. According to a PTI report, the clash at Pandarpala locality in Wasseypur was triggered by a change in the route of the procession. The organisers claimed that there was a need to change the route due to water-logging.
Police said prohibitory orders under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been imposed to maintain law and order, and prevent any further incidents. Security in the area has also been strengthened.
Dhanbad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) H.P. Janardhanan said the clash was triggered by a change in the Muharram procession route. He said police had rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. He also said further investigation is underway.
On Wednesday, the police had tightened security across Jharkhand capital Ranchi to prevent untoward incidents during Muharram processions. A report by PTI said drones and CCTV cameras at strategic points were being utilised in the effort. Flag marches by security personnel were conducted in different districts on Tuesday.
Police said security personnel had been deployed in districts such as Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Palamu, Bokaro, Giridih, Lohardaga and Hazaribag, where clashes have earlier broken out during Muharram. Routes of Muharram processions were also identified in such districts, and organisers have been asked to strictly follow the instructions, a senior officer told PTI.
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A mock drill was also conducted in the presence of the SSP at the police lines to demonstrate the force's capacity to handle mobs.
The report said security arrangements were reviewed by the administration across the districts.