Muharram, Ghurti Rath Yatra observed amid tight security in Jharkhand

Ranchi/ Medininagar, Jul 6 (PTI) Muharram and Ghurti Rath Yatra were observed amid tight security in Jharkhand on Sunday.

People of the Muslim community mourned the martyrdom of Imam Hussain with processions in various parts of the state.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, "The martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain conveys a message of brotherhood to humanity and inspires raising a voice against oppression." One person was electrocuted and three others injured while preparation for a Muharram procession was underway in Giridih district.

The incident happened when the top portion of the tazia, a replica of the tomb of Imam Hussain, came in contact with a live wire, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ramnivas Yadav said.

In Palamu district, three persons were injured following a clash between two groups during a Muharram procession in Palhe village in Patan police station area, police said.

"Police personnel deputed with the procession brought the situation under control. Additional forces were deployed to prevent the situation from escalating," Medininagar SDPO Manibhushan Prasad said.

"The injured were admitted to a hospital," he said.

Elaborate security arrangements were made across the state to ensure that the occasion is observed peacefully, officials said.

Drones, CCTV cameras and security personnel were deployed at strategic points to monitor the situation, they said.

In state capital Ranchi, a 'dry day' was declared in view of the occasion.

To facilitate Muharram processions, regular vehicular movements were restricted on several roads in the city, police said.

Ghurti Rath Yatra, the ritual of the return journey of Lord Jagannath with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra from their 'Mausi Bari' (maternal aunt's house), was also held amid a traditional fervour in the state. PTI SAN CORR BDC RG SOM