Holi celebrations took a violent turn in Jharkhand’s Giridih and Punjab’s Ludhiana as clashes broke out between two communities, leaving several people injured and properties damaged.
In Giridih, the violence erupted in the Ghodthamba locality when a group of people objected to a Holi procession passing through the area. The situation quickly escalated, leading to stone-pelting between both sides. Several shops and vehicles were torched amid the chaos, police said.
Security forces were swiftly deployed to control the situation and prevent further unrest. “The situation is under control now, and no one has suffered serious injuries. We are identifying those involved, and strict action will be taken,” a senior police officer stated.
Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported in Ludhiana, Punjab, where at least three people were injured after a clash broke out over playing loud music during Holi celebrations near a mosque. Police said the argument started when members of one community objected to the high-volume DJ music, leading to heated exchanges and stone-pelting.
“Today, on the occasion of Holi, an argument broke out between two groups—one side being migrants and the other belonging to the local Muslim community—over the playing of loud DJ music near a mosque. This led to a clash, with both sides throwing stones at each other,” said ADCP Ludhiana PS Virk.
Police have registered an FIR and arrested several individuals involved in the Ludhiana clash. “The situation is now under control, and we are reviewing CCTV footage to identify more culprits,” the senior officer added.
