Stones, bombs hurled at police in Dhanbad during anti-drink drive
Synopsis
A routine anti-drink-and-drive patrol in Jharia, Dhanbad turned violent on Sunday when a group allegedly pelted stones and hurled two country-made 'sutli bombs' at police, triggering panic and a large security crackdown. CCTV footage is now being scanned to identify the attackers.
Key Takeaways
Jharia Police patrol was allegedly attacked with stones and two sutli bombs near Katras More, Dhanbad on Sunday, 13 July .
The attack occurred during an anti-drink-and-drive operation when officers asked people consuming alcohol in public to disperse.
Explosions caused panic; shopkeepers shut establishments and pedestrians fled the area.
Additional forces conducted a flag march from Katras More to Singh Nagar to restore confidence among residents.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage and have launched a formal investigation to identify and arrest the accused.
A police patrol team in Jharia, Dhanbad, Jharkhand was allegedly attacked with stones and country-made bombs on Sunday evening, 13 July while conducting an anti-drink-and-drive operation near Katras More. The assault, reportedly carried out by a group of anti-social elements, triggered panic among local residents and shopkeepers and prompted a large-scale security response.
How the Violence Unfolded
According to officials, a Jharia Police patrol team arrived at a liquor shop near Katras More as part of a routine anti-drink-and-drive campaign. Personnel found individuals allegedly consuming alcohol in public and asked them to disperse. The situation turned volatile when some in the group refused to comply and began pelting stones at the police vehicle.
The attackers allegedly escalated further by hurling two country-made bombs, locally known as 'sutli bombs', at the team. The resulting explosions caused loud blasts and widespread panic, prompting shopkeepers to down shutters and pedestrians to flee the area.
Police Response and Area Domination
Additional forces from Jharia Police Station and nearby stations were rushed to the spot following reports of the attack. Personnel cordoned off the area and restored order. To reassure residents, security forces conducted a flag march from Katras More to Singh Nagar. Intensive patrolling continued well into the night, with additional deployment authorised to prevent further disturbance.
Investigation Under Way
Police have launched a formal investigation into the incident and are reviewing CCTV footage from locations near the site of the attack to identify those responsible. Efforts are under way to trace and apprehend the accused, officials said. Strict legal action will be taken against all those found involved in attacking the police team and disrupting public order, according to authorities.
Appeal for Calm
Local authorities have urged residents to maintain peace and cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Continuous monitoring and strengthened security arrangements remain in place across the Jharia area. The situation is currently reported to be under control, though security presence in the locality has been significantly enhanced.
Point of View
No less — is a serious law-and-order signal from Dhanbad, a district with a historically fraught relationship between organised crime and civic authority. The use of sutli bombs suggests premeditation, not spontaneous mob anger, and that distinction matters for investigators. If CCTV evidence points to organised resistance rather than opportunistic violence, the response will need to go beyond a flag march. Jharkhand authorities should treat this as a stress-test of their anti-crime infrastructure in the coal-belt region, not merely a public-order footnote.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the anti-drink-and-drive operation in Jharia, Dhanbad?
A Jharia Police patrol team was allegedly attacked with stones and two country-made 'sutli bombs' near Katras More on Sunday, 13 July, while conducting an anti-drink-and-drive campaign. The attack followed attempts by officers to disperse individuals allegedly consuming alcohol in public.
What are sutli bombs?
Sutli bombs are crude, country-made improvised explosive devices commonly used in parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal. They produce loud blasts and are classified as illegal weapons under Indian law.
Was anyone injured in the Dhanbad police attack?
The source does not confirm any injuries among police personnel or civilians. The blasts caused panic and prompted shopkeepers to shut their establishments, but no casualties have been officially reported.
What action has the Jharkhand police taken after the attack?
Additional forces were deployed, the area was cordoned off, and a flag march was conducted from Katras More to Singh Nagar. Police have begun reviewing CCTV footage to identify the attackers and have initiated a formal investigation.
Is the situation in Jharia under control now?
Yes, authorities say the situation is currently under control. Intensive patrolling and heightened security deployment remain in place, and residents have been urged to cooperate with the investigation.
