Clashes erupt during Holi celebrations in Jharkhand’s Giridih, vehicles set ablaze

Authorities assured that the situation has since been brought under control, and no major injuries were reported. However, several vehicles were torched in the melee.

“We have identified some of the miscreants involved, and strict action will be taken against them,” Bimal Kumar, the Superintendent of police for Giridih, told ANI. “Security forces have been deployed to ensure that the situation remains under control. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries.”

Kumar emphasized that the investigation was ongoing, and efforts were being made to trace more individuals involved in the violence. In their immediate response, district officials, including members of the police force, arrived swiftly at the scene, helping to restore calm in the area.

The clashes were initially sparked by a confrontation between groups in the procession, but authorities are still probing the exact cause of the altercation. Deputy Development Commissioner Smita Kumari stated that “anti-social elements” had likely played a role in stoking the violence.

“During the Holi celebrations, a few anti-social elements tried to disrupt law and order, but the situation is now peaceful,” Kumari said. “The investigation is being carried out to determine who was behind this, and the police are keeping a close eye on the developments.”

Local officials, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate Animesh Ranjan, confirmed that peace had been restored by late Friday evening and that security forces would remain stationed in the area to ensure stability.

“The situation is fully under control now,” Ranjan said. “We acted swiftly, with the magistrate and forces already present in the area. Everything was contained in time, and there is no cause for concern at this point.”

Reacting to the incident, Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi said that the state government should control the situation instead of politicising it. “People are supposed to play with colours on Holi, and if someone attacks them, then it is extremely concerning. The government talks about maintaining law and order, but is not doing anything.”