At least 12 people including security personnel were injured, when a clash erupted between the people of two communities during the Ramnavmi procession near Siwandih at Bokaro district on Friday evening.
According to eyewitnesses, few youths of a community clashed with others during Ramnavmi procession, which was on his way on NH23 Ramghar-Bokaro-Dhanbad Road near Siwandih.
The verbal argument between groups turned ugly when people refused to stop the procession and few people started pelting stone on the procession, said another eyewitness adding, “Some firing also took place during the clash, which continued for more than one and half hours.”
Terming the situation “tense but under control” Bokaro DC RM Ray said that in a bid to control the mob police fired tear gas shells. “Senior police officials, magistrates with others were camping in the area,” he added.
According to sources, the mob also set four vehicles on fire and damaged properties at the site.
Meanwhile amid tight security arrangement Ram Navami processions passed off peacefully across the Dhanbad and Bokaro districts. Except few, no untoward incidents were reported in duo districts.
Hundreds of Akhada committees took out processions across the twin districts which marked the end of the nine-day Ram Navami celebrations which coincided with Hanuman Jayanti on Saturday.
Thousands of devotees from over several Akharas of Jharia, Katrash, Hirapur, JP Mallick Road, Tikiyapara, Maaripara, Premchand Nagar, Matkoria in Dhanbad as well as Sector-3, Sector 9, RamMandir, Yuva Kranti Dal Chas, Bajrangbali Puja Samitee and Mahavir Akhada Chas displayed their skills of valour and bravery especially in Dhanbad and in Bokaro.
Hundreds of makeshift stalls of different organisations as well as religions were found distributing grams and juices among the devotees, who were performing dare devil acts during the procession.
Enough police forces and para-military forces were deployed to manage the massive crowd during procession in twin cities. Forces were also keeping strict vigils at sensitive areas.