On 1st April, a video surfaced on social media showing a Hindu organiser of a Ram Navami procession in Dhanbad being tied and paraded by the police along with other detainees following a clash that broke out after Muslims pelted stones.
झारखंड के धनबाद में रामनवमी शोभायात्रा में जिहादी तत्वों द्वारा पथराव की घटना बाद पुलिस द्वारा नियंत्रण के नाम पर आरोपितों के अलावा हिंदू श्रद्धालुओं और आयोजकों को रस्सी से बांध कर उनको अपमानित करने की शिकायत प्राप्त हुई है।
— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) April 1, 2026
हमने संज्ञान ले कर चीफ सेक्रेटरी और डीजीपी को नोटिस… pic.twitter.com/I7TjiV5w7E
A complaint in the matter had been filed a few days earlier by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha district president Shashank Raj on 28th March before the National Human Rights Commission.
According to the notice accessed by OpIndia, NHRC observed that the allegations prima facie indicate a human rights violation and issued a notice to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Jharkhand, seeking an action taken report.
According to the complaint, the religious procession in Bhikrajpur village of Baliapur was attacked by Muslims. They pelted stones on Hindu devotees, leading to injuries. The incident escalated into a clash, following which persons from both sides were detained by the police.
Allegations against police action
In his complaint, Shashank stated that instead of taking action strictly against those responsible for the violence, the police subjected Hindu organisers and participants to degrading treatment. He asserted that the organisers, including Shatrughan Mahato, a social worker, were tied with ropes around their waists and paraded publicly in the marketplace.
He termed this act as a violation of human dignity and an abuse of power by the police. He further stated that individuals who were engaged in organising the religious procession and social work were treated like hardened criminals in full public view.
What the complainant Shashank Raj told OpIndia
OpIndia spoke to Shashank Raj, President of BJYM Jharkhand and the complainant in the matter. He reiterated the allegations made in the complaint and questioned the conduct of the police.
He said that members of the Muslim community pelted stones on devotees participating in the Ram Navami procession, leading to the clash. He added that while people from both sides were taken into custody, the manner in which Hindu organisers were treated raised serious concerns.
NHRC takes cognisance, issues notice
Taking note of the complaint, NHRC Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo stated in a post on social media that a complaint had been received regarding stone pelting during the procession and the subsequent police action in which Hindu devotees and organisers were allegedly tied with ropes and humiliated.
The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Jharkhand, seeking a detailed report on the matter. The authorities have been directed to submit an Action Taken Report within seven days.
