Communal Tension Erupts During Religious Procession in Icholi

Three individuals were arrested and several others booked following a communal incident during a religious procession in Icholi town. Allegations include playing offensive DJ music and throwing colored powder near another community's religious site. Police are investigating, and peace has been restored with continued precautions.

Three individuals, including a DJ operator, have been arrested, and about four dozen others have been booked after a communal disturbance erupted during a religious procession, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The incident escalated in Icholi town on Monday during a Durga idol immersion procession, where inflammatory music was allegedly blasted, police stated. It is also alleged that the procession participants played loud DJ music in front of a religious site belonging to another community while throwing colored powder, leading to a heated conflict.

Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar Singh reported the arrests of Alok, who allegedly threw the powder, DJ operator Ravi, and another young man named Abhishek. He assured that the situation is under control, and authorities are reviewing video footage for further inquiry. A case has been registered against two named individuals and nearly four dozen unidentified people, with PAC deployed to maintain peace, according to Circle Officer Jatashankar Mishra. Although the procession was allowed to pass the shrine within a set time, it exceeded the limit, fueling tensions that heightened when viral video footage attracted large crowds from both communities. Authorities managed to disperse the crowds and restore calm, with police forces on site to prevent further escalation.

(With inputs from agencies.)