Communal violence in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh over fixing Maha Sivaratri flags

Communal clash in Jharkhand over Maha Sivaratri decorations leads to violence, prompting police intervention and political criticism.

Clash broke out between Hindu and Muslim communities in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district on Wednesday (February 26, 2025) over the decoration on the occasion of Maha Sivaratri and setting up the loudspeakers. In the violent clash following stone pelting from both sides, several shops were set on fire, many vehicles were also torched including four bikes, an auto and a car.

The incident took place on Wednesday morning at Dumroan village under Ichak police station area in which several people were injured. Those who sustained injuries were rushed to Hazaribagh Sadar Hospital for treatment.

As soon as the information of the incident was received, police from three police stations rushed to the spot and lathicharged people to disperse the crowd.

According to the police, Muslims protested against fixing the Maha Sivaratri flags and installing sound systems at Hindustan Chowk and the arguments between the two communities turned violent and stone pelting started from a nearby madrasa. In response, Hindus too pelted stones on them.

Trainee IPS Shruti Agarwal said, “We have requested people to maintain peace on the occasion of Maha Sivaratri and celebrate the festival with brotherhood.”

Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahay asserted that adequate forces have been deployed to maintain peace in the village. “At present the situation is under control and police are camping on the spot. Appropriate action would be taken and those responsible for the violence would be punished as per law,” Ms. Sahay told the press.

BJP leader and Union Minister Sanjay Seth, who is also MP of Ranchi, slammed the Hemant Soren government for the communal violence.