Gathering of police and people during communal tension in Lalgarh, Madhupur. (Photo Jagran)
Jagran Correspondent, Deoghar. Deoghar Communal Clash: Communal tension spread in Lalgarh locality under Madhupur police station area of Deoghar district of Jharkhand on Thursday, when the dispute between two communities over the restoration work of Kali Temple turned into a violent clash. More than a dozen people from both sides were injured in this incident, out of which nine injured have been admitted to Madhupur Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment.
As soon as information about the incident was received, the administration came into alert mode. Police from several police stations reached the spot under the leadership of Madhupur SDPO Satyendra Prasad and a large number of police forces were deployed in the area. At present the situation is said to be under control, but tension remains in the area. The police are keeping a close watch on the entire incident and are setting up camps to deal with any untoward situation. According to the information received, the nearly hundred year old Kali temple located in Lalgarh locality had tilted to one side, due to which renovation and plaster work was being done. This area is said to be Muslim dominated. Some people of the Muslim community raised objections regarding the repair work of the temple, due to which a dispute arose. It is said that after an altercation on this issue, an incident of stone pelting took place on Wednesday night, due to which anger spread among the people of the other side. On receiving the information, the police reached the spot and somehow the situation was calmed down by convincing both the parties. However, on Thursday morning once again the atmosphere deteriorated and the dispute took a violent turn. There was fierce fighting and stone pelting between the two parties, in which many people were injured. As soon as information about the fight was received, the police again reached the spot and police teams from Madhupur police station, Pathraul police station, Budhai police station and Margomunda police station were deployed on the spot. Police officials said that at present the situation is under control, but as a precaution, additional security forces are being deployed in the area. It is noteworthy that this Kali temple is a small temple, which some local families consider to be the place of their family deity. The protest over the repair and construction work of the temple gradually took a communal turn and the matter reached a violent clash. The administration says that the matter is being investigated and strict action will be taken against the culprits.