Seven hurt as dispute over place of worship turns violent in Deoghar

Dumka: Seven people were injured in a clash between two communities which broke out in Madhupur in Deoghar after a dispute over repairing a centuries-old place of worship.Tension gripped Lalgarh Mohalla on Wednesday night when members of a community objected to proposed repair work at the place of worship, which reportedly had leaned over to a side through the years. The objection led to arguments, which soon led to stone pelting. Local police rushed to the spot and restored order.However, the simmering tension surfaced again on Thursday as groups from both the communities clashed with each other and hurled stones at each other. Among the injured are three women, the police said. Soon after, a large police consignment was deployed to prevent further escalation of tensions in the area.Madhupur subdivisional police officer Satyendra Prasad said, “Police teams from Pathraul, Budhai, and Margomunda stations were engaged in controlling law and order. Patrolling continues in sensitive areas and streets to maintain peace. All the injured were admitted to the Madhupur sub-divisional hospital.” Two injured were still under treatment, while the others were discharged after primary medication, said sources.Deoghar SP Saurabh Kumar said, “A case in connection was lodged with the Madhupur police station. The matter is being investigated, and those involved in stone pelting and the brawl are being identified for further legal action.”Godda MP Nishikant Dubey accused state minority welfare minister Hafizul Hasan of fanning communal tension in Madhupur. The minister did not respond to TOI’s calls and messages when contacted.