Assault on Women During Kalash Yatra in Koderma, Jharkhand Raises Alarm

Synopsis

Women participating in a Kalash Yatra in Jharkhand's Koderma district were assaulted with stones, prompting a significant protest and police intervention. This incident has raised concerns over communal harmony as authorities work to identify the attackers and ensure safety in the area.

Key Takeaways

Women attacked during religious Kalash Yatra
Protests erupted from local villagers
Police deployed to restore order
Community ritual planned from April 9 to April 17
Authorities using drones for surveillance

Koderma (Jharkhand), April 1 (NationPress) Women engaged in a Kalash Yatra in the village of Chhatarbar, located in Jharkhand's Koderma district, faced a violent attack with stones on Tuesday.

The women, who were carrying urns on their heads as part of a religious ceremony, were in the process of collecting alms when unknown assailants began hurling stones from nearby rooftops, causing significant damage to several urns.

Upon hearing of the incident, a large group of villagers quickly congregated at the location to protest, which heightened tensions within the community.

The situation escalated into a confrontation as individuals from both sides arrived at the scene. Authorities acted promptly, deploying a substantial police presence to Chhatarbar and its neighboring areas in an effort to restore peace and order.

This Kalash Yatra is part of the preparations for a community-led Yagya ritual set to occur from April 9 to April 17 in Chechai village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Koderma police.

Around 60 women had embarked on a journey to collect alms as part of their ritual across seven nearby villages, singing devotional hymns, when the attack took place.

After the incident was reported, numerous residents from Chechai village arrived at the site, equipped with sticks and rods, to voice their dissent against the attack. This led to a standoff as individuals from the opposing group also gathered, further exacerbating the situation.

In response, senior police officials, including SDPO Anil Kumar Singh, arrived from the Koderma district headquarters with additional support. The police effectively managed to evacuate the women and disperse the gathering near the village square of Chhatarbar.

Chechai village residents have called for the immediate identification and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, labeling it an attack on their religious faith and traditions.

To avert further tensions, authorities have initiated drone surveillance in the area.

SDPO Singh has guaranteed that stringent actions will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt communal peace, indicating that the police are actively pursuing leads to identify the offenders.