Communal tension in Ranchi over ‘objectionable’ song lyrics
A devotional song with alleged objectionable lyrics played on the MG Road in Ranchi led to minor communal tension on Tuesday afternoon, with members of two communities pelting stones at each other.
However, the district administration acted promptly and deployed heavy security on the streets. Prohibitory orders were issued under section 144 of the CrPC in the affected area.
The MG Road, one of the busiest streets in the Jharkhand cap- ital which has a mosque and a Hanuman temple within a radius of a kilometer, wore a deserted look soon after rumours of major communal clashes and tension went viral started spreading.
However, no damage to life or property was caused in the clash, police said.
Communal incidents have been on the rise in Jharkhand for the past couple of years, challenging the government’s initiatives of maintaining peace during festivals.
Eyewitnesses to the incident told the media that some mem- bers of one of the two communi- ties, gathered outside the mosque and shouted slogans belittling a particular community. This incident, police said, toom place soon after a few minority community members objected to the devotional song played outside the temple.
Ranchi superintendent of police Kishore Kaushal said that the situation was under control by Tuesday evening.
“A particular community protested against some objectionable lyrics of a song played on MG Road. But rumours about major clashes added to the tension,” he said. Kaushal added that the police barricades were removed by 4:30 pm and shops had started opening.
“There is nothing to worry about. Please do not panic or pay attention to any such rumour,” Kaushal said.
Meanwhile, Bermo block in Bokaro district also reportedly witnessed communal tension after, but the situation was brought under control by the local police.