Hundreds of tribals protest in Ranchi over assault on Sarhul procession

IANS April 3, 2025 249 views

A massive tribal protest has erupted in Ranchi after a violent attack on a Sarhul festival procession in Hethbalu village. The demonstrators, led by the Central Sarna Committee, are demanding immediate arrests of those responsible for assaulting tribal participants and harassing women. The incident originated from a dispute involving electric carts during the procession, which quickly escalated into stone-pelting and physical confrontations. As of now, two accused have been arrested, but protesters continue to block the Ranchi-Patratu road until all culprits are brought to justice.

"The attackers were lying in wait and ambushed the procession with sharp weapons" - Police FIR
Ranchi, April 3: Hundreds of tribals took to the streets on Thursday to protest against the violence that erupted during the Sarhul festival procession in the Pithoria police station area of Ranchi on April 1.

Key Points

1

Tribal procession disrupted with physical assault and harassment

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Central Sarna Committee leads protest demanding justice

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Two accused arrested so far

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Tensions high in Hethbalu village

The protest, organised under the banner of the Central Sarna Committee, saw demonstrators blocking the Ranchi-Patratu road since 9 a.m., demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the assault. Shops in the Pithoria market also remained shut in solidarity.

Protesters alleged that the tribal procession was not only disrupted, but the Pahan (tribal priest) and other participants were also physically attacked. Women were also reportedly harassed and beaten. An FIR was registered on Wednesday against the attackers, but the demonstrators insist that their protest will continue until all accused are arrested.

According to reports, the violence arose from a dispute in Hethbalu village near Ranchi, where members of another community had set up electric carts on both sides of the road for their own festival. As the Sarhul procession passed through the area, some of its flags allegedly broke electric poles, triggering a heated altercation that quickly escalated into stone-pelting and violence.

Several people, including Ravi Pahan, Nagdev Pahan, Painbhora Munda, and Sandeep Munda, sustained injuries in the clashes.

A named FIR has been filed against Adam Ansari, Arif Ansari, Mintu Ansari, and Juaifa Ansari, along with several unidentified individuals, for their alleged involvement in the attack.

The complaint states that the attackers, who were lying in wait, ambushed the Sarhul procession with sharp weapons as it reached Hargarhi in Hethbalu village.

Police have so far arrested two accused in connection with the incident, but protesters, led by Central Sarna Committee President Ajay Tirkey and other tribal leaders, are demanding the immediate arrest of all culprits.

As of 1 p.m., traffic on the Ranchi-Patratu road remained blocked, causing significant disruption to commuters. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 Sarhul is such an important festival for tribal communities. No one should have to face violence during their religious celebrations. Hope justice is served quickly!
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Rahul S.
While the violence is unacceptable, I wish both communities had shown more restraint. These situations often escalate because neither side backs down. Authorities should mediate before things reach this point.
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Anita M.
The police response seems too slow. When religious processions are attacked, immediate action is needed to prevent tensions from boiling over. Two arrests aren't enough when women were reportedly harassed too.
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Sunil T.
As someone from Ranchi, this is really disturbing. We've always celebrated our festivals peacefully. Don't let a few troublemakers ruin our communal harmony. Stay strong, Pithoria!
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Neha P.
The details about the ambush with sharp weapons are chilling. This wasn't just a spontaneous clash - it sounds premeditated. Hope the investigation reveals the full truth.
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Arjun R.
Respectfully, the article could provide more context about the electric carts dispute. Understanding what triggered the initial altercation might help prevent future incidents. Still, violence is never justified.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Ranchi Tribal Protest Sarhul Festival Communal Violence Jharkhand Unrest Ajay Tirkey
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