Jamtara, August 23: Tensions escalated in the Karmatand area of Jamtara district, Jharkhand, after a video related to a religious comment went viral. The situation intensified on Saturday night when a large crowd gathered at the home of Bhudev Mahto, a resident of Thanardih, and reportedly vandalized the property. Reports indicate that police were also involved in a scuffle, leading to damage to a police vehicle. Authorities had to use force to control the situation, and additional police units have been deployed in the area.
The incident began on August 21 when a video containing a religious comment circulated at the Kurwa weekly market in the Karmatand police jurisdiction. Based on a written complaint from Hindu organizations, police arrested Afroz Alam and placed him in judicial custody. Following this, it was revealed that Bhudev Mahto had also allegedly commented on the viral video, prompting a large gathering near his home on Saturday night.
Upon receiving reports of the unrest, Karmatand police station chief Alakhnath Chaubey arrived at the scene with police reinforcements. To ensure safety, the police managed to extract Bhudev Mahto from the crowd. However, there were reports of clashes with the crowd and vandalism of police vehicles. In light of the escalating situation, additional IRB forces were summoned from Deoghar and Dumka. The police successfully controlled the crowd using force, and law enforcement presence has been increased in the area.
On Sunday, a peace committee meeting was held at the Karmatand police station, attended by representatives from both communities and local leaders. All participants condemned the events of Saturday night. SDPO Wasim Raza stated that complaints from both parties regarding the religious comments are being taken seriously. He emphasized that police intervention was timely, ensuring Bhudev Mahto’s safety. Actions are also being taken against those who behaved disrespectfully towards the police and vandalized vehicles.
He made it clear that anyone taking the law into their own hands would not be spared. Meanwhile, Bhudev Mahto’s wife, Mamta Devi, and mother, Podha Devi, alleged that eight to ten individuals forcibly entered their home, assaulted them at gunpoint, and stole approximately 50,000 rupees in cash and jewelry. The family also reported receiving threats to their lives.
Local residents claimed that the electricity was cut off before the incident, allowing the attackers to take advantage of the darkness. The administration is currently investigating the entire matter and has deployed police forces to maintain peace in the area.
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