New Year revelry dispute escalates into fierce group clash in Pakur

Dumka: Tension prevailed in Jhikrahati village under the Muffasil police station area of Pakur district after crude bombs were hurled during a group clash following a dispute during New Year celebrations.The dispute, police said, had its roots in a clash that erupted on January 1 during a picnic organised in a field near the village to mark the New Year. The two groups allegedly got into an argument at the picnic site before indulging in a fierce conflict.Later that night, a meeting was held under the supervision of the village head (mukhiya) in an attempt to resolve the matter, but it was in vain as tensions flared up again, and one group allegedly threw three crude bombs, spreading panic in the village.Muffasil police station in charge Kumar Gaurav reached the spot along with his team soon after receiving information, but the accused persons had fled.“A search operation was carried out in the village, but no arrests have been made so far,” SDPO Dayanand Azad said, confirming that three bombs were thrown from one side during the clash.He also confirmed that, though no one was injured in the incident, some houses were damaged.The officer said strict action would be taken against those involved, and a case was lodged in connection with the incident.