One person was killed and at least nine were injured in violence between two groups during a Muharram procession in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh distict today which led to police firing 70 rounds in the air to control the situation.
DIG of North Chotonagpur Division, Upendra Kumar, confirming the death of one person, said trouble began a when group of about hundred people standing on the road opposite the ground at Charowa Das, 8 kms from here on Hazaribagh-Katkumsandi road, pelted stones at an over 10,000-strong gathering.
Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar said about 22 Muharrum Akharas from nearby villages and Hazaribagh town had assembled to take part in the procession.
The clashing sides indulged in heavy brickbatting and then fired at each other forcing the police to first lathi charge and then burst teargas shells. But when the actions failed to disperse the mob, the police fired at least 70 rounds in the air, said Kumar who rushed to the spot along with the district Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Kumar Jha.
The mob also set ablaze the vehicles of the circle officer and inspector of police, which were parked at the site, as well as a number of other vehicles including two wheelers belonging to people who turned up to watch the procession.
Besides, several vehicles including that of the SDO, BDO were badly damaged, the SP said.
The DIG said the dead man was identified as a resident of nearby Khutra village but it was not clear whether it was due to police firing or firing by the mob.
"The reason for the death can be ascertained only after post mortem," he said.
