Violent clashes erupted at two separate locations in Palamu district, Jharkhand, late on Monday night, 10 November 2025, during processions for the immersion of Lakshmi and Kali idols, leaving more than six police personnel injured in stone-pelting attacks, officials confirmed on Tuesday. Police vehicles were damaged in both incidents, and officers fired four rounds into the air at one of the sites to disperse an aggressive mob.

What Happened in Raksaha Village

The first incident unfolded in Raksaha village under the Rehala police station area, where a dispute between two groups over the use of a DJ and related issues flared up during Lakshmi Puja celebrations. A police team deployed to pacify the groups was allegedly surrounded by a mob that attacked officers with bricks and stones.

Four police personnel sustained injuries in the stone-pelting, and a police vehicle was damaged. Rehala police station in-charge Gulshan Birua confirmed the incident, stating that personnel fired four rounds into the air in self-defence to control the crowd. An FIR has been registered under serious sections of the law, and investigations into the identities of those involved and the circumstances of the clash are ongoing. Some villagers were also reportedly injured.

Clashes in Sinduria Village

The second flashpoint was Sinduria village under Lahalhe Panchayat in Palamu Sadar block, where rival groups clashed during the immersion procession of Kali Puja idols. A localised dispute escalated into physical violence and mutual stone-pelting, leaving several villagers injured.

Police personnel who arrived at the scene were also struck by projectiles, and the glass of a police vehicle was shattered. Sadar SDPO Rajesh Yadav and Satbarwa police station in-charge Pradeep Kumar subsequently reached the village with additional personnel to restore order. The Satbarwa in-charge said the number of injured persons was still being ascertained and the actual cause of the dispute was under investigation.

Security Tightened Across Affected Areas

According to district police officials, the situation in both Raksaha and Sinduria has been brought under control as of Tuesday. Additional security personnel have been deployed in the affected villages as a precautionary measure to prevent any further escalation. Investigations into both incidents are continuing.

This comes amid a broader pattern of communal and intra-community tensions during festive idol immersion processions in Jharkhand, where disputes over DJ music, procession routes, and local rivalry have periodically triggered violence in recent years. The dual incidents on the same night underscore the challenges law enforcement faces during high-footfall religious events, particularly in rural areas with limited rapid-response capacity.