8 companies of JAP, DAP deployed at J'kahnd witchcraft fair

Eight companies of Jharkhand Armed Police and District Armed Police have been deployed a day after one person was killed and 29 others, including nine policemen, were injured during a clash between villagers and the police, who went to stop a 'witchcraft fair' in Jharkhand's Palamau district.
The fair continued as usual today despite yesterday's incident with hundreds of villagers participating in the fair, organised in violation of the prohibitory order imposed under section 144 CrPC five days ago.
"We have deployed eight companies of Jharkhand Armed Police and District Armed Police today to maintain law and order following yesterday's incident," said Deputy Superintendent of Police (Chatarpur), Sanjay Kumar.

Block Development Officer Rajesh Ekka had said yesterday that the police had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC in areas under Naudihabazar police station to stop holding of a "bhoot mela" (witchcraft fair) on the banks of Jhariwa river.
Witch doctors congregate at these fairs held from time to time and superstitious tribals go to them to rid themselves of diseases.
One person was killed and 29 others, including nine police personnel were injured after the villagers hurled bricks and stones at policemen when they went to stop the fair on yesterday.
The Police have launched raids to apprehend the organisers of the fair.

Chief Minister Raghubar Das has set up a two-member committee comprising Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Palamau Division) to probe the incident.