Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, March 6: Tension gripped the Panchwati Nagar area under the Sonari police station area on Thursday evening after a violent clash broke out between two groups from Bilas Basti and Gwala Basti.
Armed with sticks and other weapons, members of both groups engaged in a fierce altercation, creating panic in the locality.
During the clash, Somnath Pandey alias Guddu Pandey sustained a serious head injury. He was immediately rushed to Tata Main Hospital for treatment, where he is currently undergoing medical care.
According to local residents, youths from the two settlements have frequently clashed over issues of dominance in the Panchwati Nagar area. Thursday’s violence is also believed to have stemmed from a long-standing rivalry between the groups.
The confrontation quickly escalated into a full-fledged brawl.
Eyewitnesses said that while fleeing after the assault, some youths entered a nearby vegetable shop owned by Basmati Devi, scattering vegetables kept for sale.
They also reportedly took cold drinks from another shop before leaving the spot.
Sources said the attackers arrived in a Santro car, an auto-rickshaw, and three motorcycles, carrying sticks and other weapons.
One of the youths was allegedly seen wielding a sword. After the attack, the group brandished their weapons and fled the area.
Considering the tense situation, police have deployed a Quick Response Team (QRT) in the locality to maintain law and order.
Sonari police station in-charge Madhusudan Dey said that the accused have been identified and raids are underway to arrest them.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that a similar dispute had recently taken place between two groups at a hotel in Dobo under Kapali OP area, where an FIR was registered and several individuals were arrested.
That incident reportedly occurred during Holi celebrations after an argument broke out while people were playing Holi under the influence of alcohol.
Preliminary information suggests that around 15 to 20 youths allegedly led by Guddu Goswami attacked Guddu Pandey, the brother of Anand Pandey, resulting in his injuries.
Local residents said clashes between youths of the two settlements have occurred several times in the past, with earlier incidents even involving firing and murder cases.
Guddu Goswami has also allegedly been linked to criminal activities in the past and has faced accusations in cases related to murder and firing.
Police said an investigation is currently underway and strict action will be taken against those involved.
