CM appeals for peace, orders probe into Jamshedpur clash

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) staged a flag march in Mango on Tuesday evening as CRPF inspector general (IG) RK Mishra, Kolhan commissioner Arun and deputy inspector general (DIG) RK Dhan took charge of the steel city — turned into a battleground since Monday night with two communities clashing over an alleged eve-teasing incident.

The move came after chief minister Raghubar Das ordered an investigation into the incident and subsequent events by a two-member committee comprising Kolhan Commissioner Arun and DIG RK Dhan.

“I appeal to the citizens of Jamshedpur in particular and state in general to ignore rumours and intimate authorities about any mischief-mongers. I also appeal to exercise extreme restraint and maintain peace,” the CM said in a statement on Tuesday.

Das has further directed the East Singhbhum district administration to act fast and tough to nab all the culprits and contemplate long-term measures to prevent repeat of such incidents. “This type of incidents bring bad name for the state and we must all be aware of that,” said Das.

“We have taken charge of the situation and it would be normal in a few hours. Additional police forces along with CRPF and RAF have been pressed into service and a flag march is being carried out,” RK Dhan told HT.

Two companies of the CRPF have now been deployed while RAF forces were rushed back from Puri (Odisha) where they were sent for Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. CRPF IG RK Mishra reached the city with RAF from Ranchi on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, district superintendent of education (DSE) Indhubhushan Singh issued an order declaring a holiday in all government and private schools across the city in view of the deteriorating law and order situation.