Vehicles set on fire as clashes erupt during Holi in Giridih, Jharkhand

Local officials told news agency ANI that Friday's Holi celebrations in Giridih, Jharkhand, were interrupted by violent fights between two communities, which resulted in vehicles being set on fire and a momentary disruption of the district's peace.

When a Holi procession went through a narrow street near Giridih's Ghodthambha Chowk, chaos broke out. Members of two separate communities got into a fight, which quickly became violent. The commotion continued for approximately an hour before local authorities stepped in to separate them, according to the officials, Indian Express reported.

No serious injuries were recorded, and authorities stated that the situation has since been brought under control. But in the ruckus, several cars were set on fire, Indian Express reported.

“We have identified some of the miscreants involved, and strict action will be taken against them,” Bimal Kumar, the Superintendent of police for Giridih, told ANI. “Security forces have been deployed to ensure that the situation remains under control. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries.”

Kumar stressed that more people involved in the violence were being sought out as part of the ongoing inquiry. District officials, including police officers, responded quickly to the situation and helped to bring peace back to the area.

Authorities are still investigating the precise reason for the conflict, which was apparently triggered by a confrontation between groups in the procession. Smita Kumari, the Deputy Development Commissioner, said that "anti-social elements" had probably contributed to the violence.

“During the Holi celebrations, a few anti-social elements tried to disrupt law and order, but the situation is now peaceful,” Kumari said. “The investigation is being carried out to determine who was behind this, and the police are keeping a close eye on the developments.”

By late Friday evening, local authorities, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate Animesh Ranjan, affirmed that the region was once again peaceful and that security forces would continue to be present to maintain calm.

“The situation is fully under control now,” Ranjan said. “We acted swiftly, with the magistrate and forces already present in the area. Everything was contained in time, and there is no cause for concern at this point.”

Babulal Marandi, the head of the Jharkhand BJP, responded to the incident by saying that rather than politicising it, the state government needed to control the situation. 

“People are supposed to play with colours on Holi, and if someone attacks them, then it is extremely concerning. The government talks about maintaining law and order, but is not doing anything.”