Hazaribagh, Mar 31: Two 21-year-old youths were killed in separate incidents during Ram Navami processions in Hazaribagh, including one case involving an accidental stabbing during a knife stunt, police said.
In the first incident, Prince Kumar, a resident of Silwar village, died after being accidentally stabbed while participating in or standing near a group performing traditional weapon stunts during the International Ram Navami procession. The event, known for large gatherings and displays involving swords, sticks and knives, turned chaotic when a युवक performing with two knives injured him.
Police said the victim was rushed to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), where doctors declared him dead. “The victim was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon and was brought to the trauma centre of the hospital, but he died during treatment,” said A.K. Purty, superintendent of the hospital.
In a separate incident around midnight near Jhanda Chowk under the Town police station area, another youth, Abhishek Kumar from Bada Bazar Gwaltoli, was allegedly hacked to death during a different Ram Navami procession. He was attacked by an unidentified assailant and taken to SBMCH, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Confirming the incidents, Amit Anand said, “Abhishek Kumar was hacked to death by an unidentified man during a Ram Navami procession.” He added that police have launched an investigation into both cases.
“No arrests have been made so far,” the officer said, adding that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved.
Officials said both incidents occurred during separate processions passing through the same area around midnight. Further investigation is in progress.
