Over 200 people injured in group clash during Ramnavami 'julus'

Hazaribagh, Mar 29 (UNI) More than 200 people were injured, six 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 were expected to conclude tonight, police said. The district authorities deployed jawans of cavalry forces and Rapid Action Force (RAF) to maintain law and order.

Today at 0800 hrs, two Akharas--Bajrang Samiti and Mahaveer Sthan Club--were engaged in clashes that left three persons seriously injured at Jhanda Chowk in the town. They were admitteed to civil hospital hospital.

In another similar incident that took place at 0200 hrs between Gwaltoli and Hudhudu Akharas three youths were seriously injured who were rushed to state capital Ranchi for treatment.

Besides, more than 200 people were wounded in different location as the processionists were weilding 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 riot broke out in the district during the festival.

UNI