Communal violence in Jharkhand during Ram Navami

Violence was sparked by the pelting of stones at Ram Navami processions

Curfew was imposed in four police station areas of Bokaro district in Jharkhand on Friday night following communal violence sparked by pelting of stones at a Ram Navami procession, police said on Saturday.

Violence also took place on Friday in Hazaribagh district where the trigger once again, was pelting of stones at a Ram Navami procession.

"Curfew has been imposed in Bokaro. The situation is under control both in Hazaribagh and and Bokaro district," Jharkhand Police spokesman S N Pradhan said. 

There were violent clashes between members of two communities in Siwandih suburb of Bokaro steel city when a Ram Navami procession was stopped and pelted with stones.

Several people were injured in the violence, including some journalists and government officials. A mob also burnt three vehicles.

In Hazaribagh, the trouble spot was Keredari where violence erupted after a Ram Navami procession was stopped. Several people were injured and some houses were set on fire.

One person also reportedly died in the violence, but the police said the death was unrealted to the communal clashes.

"An elderly person in the troubled area died after slipping from stairs," Pradhan said.