Violence erupts in Jamshedpur over ‘desecration’ of religious flag, Sec 144 imposed, Internet snapped
Clashes erupted in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur after ‘desecration’ of a religious flag led to brick-batting and arson between two groups, officials told news agency PTI.
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC are in force at Shastrinagar in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur after shops and vehicles were set on fire during the clashes. Internet services have also been suspended, reported ANI.
Tension had been brewing in the area since Saturday night when members of a local organisation found that a piece of meat was tagged to a Ram Navami flag, police told PTI. Following this, the situation turned violent as bricks were thrown between two groups.
‘ANTI-SOCIAL ELEMENTS TRYING TO DISTURB PEACE’
East Singhbhum District Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Jadhav told PTI some anti-social elements are trying to disturb peace, and sought the cooperation of people to foil their plot.
Two shops and an auto-rickshaw were set on fire at Shastrinagar in Jamshedpur on Sunday, prompting the police to fire tear gas shells to disperse the mob.
“Prohibitory Orders under Section 144 of CrPC were clamped in the area,” Sub-Divisional Officer (Dhalbhum), Piyush Sinha, told PTI.
Police said the situation is under control now and a few people have been taken into custody.
POLICE FORCE DEPLOYED
An adequate police force has been deployed at Shastrinagar to maintain law and order, police said. Security forces conducted a flag march in Jamshedpur’s Kadma police station area following the clash, reported ANI.
“Forces are conducting an early morning flag march. Section 144 is enforced in the area. Internet services are barred till the next order,” Executive Magistrate, Jyoti Kumari, told ANI.
“The situation is under control and the warring groups have been dispersedâ€æ We have also taken a few persons into custody,” SSP Prabhat Kumar said.
“The force has been deployed in the entire area. A RAF company is deployed. Some people have also been detained,” Jamshedpur senior superintendent of police (SSP) Prabhat Kumar told news agency ANI.