Jharkhand: Clashes Erupt In Jamshedpur Over Ram Navami Flag Desecration, Section 144 Imposed

Prohibitory orders have been imposed and riot control police deployed in Jharkhand's Jamshedpur on Sunday (9 April) following a clash between two groups over the alleged desecration of a Ram Navami flag.

Mobs in Shastrinagar hurled stones at each other, set two shops and an auto-rickshaw on fire.

In a bid to disperse the mobs, the police had to fire tear gas shells on them.

According to city Police Chief Prabhat Kumar, the situation is now under control.

"Those who had gathered have been sent home. Force has been deployed in the entire area, a company of RAF (Rapid Action Force) has been deployed," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Riot police conducted a flag march in the area this morning.

Deputy Commissioner, East Singhbhum, Vijaya Jadhav said some people have been detained.

The official stated that certain troublemakers were attempting to disrupt peace and requested cooperation from the public.

"We have deployed adequate police force, a Quick Response Team, a magistrate, Rapid Action Force personnel and other anti-riot resources to maintain law and order," she said in a statement.

Jadhav requested people to avoid rumours and report any provocative or unpleasant messages to the police.

The area has been tense since Saturday night when members of a local organisation found a Ram Navami flag desecrated, police said.

Several such organisations protested and demanded that the police arrest the culprits within 24 hours. The situation turned violent on Sunday evening when a shop was gutted leading to brick-batting from both sides.

A mob also set on fire an autorickshaw, forcing the police to fire tear gas shells.

Following the flare-up last night, top police officers are reportedly camping in the area.