Nearly 250 people injured in clash during Ramnavami 'julus'

Hazaribagh, Mar 29 (UNI) At least 250 people were injured, 13 of them critically, in group clashes among different 'Akharas' during 'julus' (procession) taken out on the occasion of Ram Navami since last night in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district.

About 100 Akharas, including that from neighbouring villages, took out processions in the district last evening which concluded tonight, police said.

The district authorities deployed jawans of cavalry forces and Rapid Action Force (RAF) to maintain law and order.

The members belonging to six different Akharas including Bajrang Samiti, Mahaveer Sthan, Gwaltoli, Hudhudu and two others Akharas of Mandai and Bhabhanbai locality were engaged in clashes during the demostration.

Three of them were rushed to state capital Ranchi for treatment.

About 250 people were wounded in different locations as the processionists were welding maces, swords and other traditional weapons.

Hazaribagh is identified as the most sensitive district in the state during the Ram Navami celebrations.

In 1989, communal riots broke out in the district during the festival.

UNI