Massive Tribal Protest in Ranchi Following Sarhul Assault
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Synopsis
On April 3, hundreds of tribal members protested in Ranchi against violence during the Sarhul festival. The protest, organized by the Central Sarna Committee, blocked the Ranchi-Patratu road as demonstrators demanded arrests of the attackers. Despite an FIR filed, protesters vowed to continue until all culprits were apprehended.
Key Takeaways
- Massive protests occurred in Ranchi due to festival violence.
- Protesters demand immediate arrests of assailants.
- Tribal procession faced severe disruption and violence.
- FIR filed against several individuals involved in the attack.
- Authorities monitoring the situation to prevent escalation.
Ranchi, April 3 (NationPress) Hundreds of tribal members took to the streets on Thursday to voice their outrage against the violence that occurred during the Sarhul festival procession in the Pithoria police station area of Ranchi on April 1.
The demonstration, organized by the Central Sarna Committee, led to the blockage of the Ranchi-Patratu road since 9 a.m., with protesters demanding the swift arrest of those responsible for the assault. Many shops in the Pithoria market were also closed in a show of solidarity.
Participants in the protest claimed that not only was the tribal procession disrupted, but the Pahan (tribal priest) and other attendees were also subjected to physical violence. Reports indicate that women were harassed and beaten during the incident. Although an FIR was filed on Wednesday against the assailants, protesters assert that they will continue their demonstration until all suspects are apprehended.
Reports suggest that the violence was sparked by a conflict in Hethbalu village near Ranchi, where members of another community had positioned electric carts on both sides of the road for their own festival. As the Sarhul procession traversed the area, some flags allegedly damaged electric poles, igniting a heated confrontation that swiftly escalated into stone-throwing and violence.
Several individuals, including Ravi Pahan, Nagdev Pahan, Painbhora Munda, and Sandeep Munda, were injured during the clashes.
An FIR has been lodged against Adam Ansari, Arif Ansari, Mintu Ansari, and Juaifa Ansari, along with several unidentified persons, for their alleged roles in the attack.
The complaint details that the assailants lay in ambush, attacking the Sarhul procession with sharp weapons as it approached Hargarhi in Hethbalu village.
Authorities have arrested two suspects thus far, but protesters, led by Central Sarna Committee President Ajay Tirkey and other tribal leaders, demand the immediate capture of all involved.
As of 1 p.m., the Ranchi-Patratu road remained blocked, significantly impacting commuters. Officials are closely monitoring the situation to avert further escalation.
