Godda, July 2: Police in eastern India’s Jharkhand state have arrested two men allegedly involved in orchestrating violence during the state-sponsored Hool Diwas event in Sahibganj district, authorities said on Tuesday.
The two accused — Sudhir Kumar and Ganesh Mandal — were detained in the Nagar police station area of Godda district on Monday night. Police recovered three illegal firearms, ammunition, and a cache of saris and dhotis, believed to have been distributed to provoke unrest.
According to Godda Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar, preliminary investigations indicate the two men played a central role in triggering clashes during the June 30 event commemorating the 1855 Santhal rebellion against British colonial rule.
“Initial findings suggest that Sudhir Kumar is associated with former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren and may have managed his social media. This claim is under verification,” Kumar said.
Violence broke out in Bhognadih village, Sahibganj, when police attempted to dismantle unauthorised tents erected by the Sido-Kanhu Murmu Hool Foundation, which had invited BJP leader and former CM Champai Soren to attend a parallel function. Authorities said the foundation had not received permission to host the event.
Tensions escalated, leading to stone-pelting, baton charges and the alleged use of arrows by protestors. Tear gas was fired to disperse the crowd. Several villagers and police personnel were injured, with three officers hospitalised. Police allege the arrested duo had been operating in Sahibganj, Barhait, and Borio areas since June 20, distributing money, clothes and arms to locals to stir unrest during Hool Diwas.
An FIR was filed by Sahibganj district police, and a manhunt was launched after intelligence suggested suspects had fled to neighbouring Godda. Following coordinated operations, the two were captured late Monday. Their mobile phones have been seized and are under forensic examination.
Authorities are searching for four to five more individuals suspected of being part of the same network. Further raids are underway. Police may seek extended custody of the accused for additional interrogation, SP Kumar added.
