Violence erupts during Ram Navami: Two killed and over 450 injured in Hazaribag festivities; Police investigate clashes amid processions

Hazaribag: Two young men were allegedly killed and over 450 people injured in violence during Ram Navami processions in Hazaribag town early on Sunday, police said.The deceased were identified as Prince Kumar, 19, from Silwar village under Muffasil police station limits and Abhishek Sharma, 20, a resident of Gwaltoli area in Bara Bazar.Sources said Prince was watching the processions at Jhanda Chowk around 6 am when he sustained injuries from a sword after he went too close to akhara members displaying weapons. Prince was taken to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH) from where he was referred to Ranchi for further treatment but he died on the way.Abhishek’s friend, Rahul Kumar, said they were also watching the processions at Jhanda Chowk around 2:30 am, when a few youths started hitting the deceased with lathis. “Bleeding profusely, we rushed him to hospital but he was referred to Ranchi and died on the way,” Rahul said.Later, Abhishek’s relatives and family members sat at Bara Bazar chowk with his body demanding arrest of the culprits. Sadar sub-divisional officer Aditya Pandey reach the spot and pacified the agitators by assuring that efforts are on to identify those behind the incident and that they will be arrested soon. He said police are scanning CCTV footage to ascertain how the two persons died.Sources said altercations escalated between two akharas over procession movement, leading to clashes, stone-pelting and vandalising of vehicles, DJ systems and lighting equipment. Dr Abhishek Kumar, a surgeon at SBMCH, said, “More than 450 injured people received treatment at the hospital. Rest were treated at medical stalls set up by different NGOs. Seven were referred to Ranchi for better treatment.”