A festive Holi gathering in Jharkhand’s Giridih turned nightmare Thursday night, culminating in a man’s death and a massive road jam the next day. Outraged crowds at Huttia Gate in Hutti Market blocked routes, seeking justice for Ajay Kumar Das, slain in a DJ-related melee.
The victim’s relatives and locals clashed verbally with authorities until State Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu stepped in. He vowed relentless pursuit of the guilty, instructing swift police action that de-escalated the blockade.
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture: Amid pulsating DJ music in Ravidas Mohalla, youthful banter escalated. Ajay Das tried diffusing tensions but was set upon by Ravi Das and accomplices armed with blades. The savage assault left four bleeding; only prompt aid saved the others.
At Giridih Sadar Hospital, Ajay was pronounced dead, while Rajesh, Pardum, and Prem battle grave wounds. Intel points to deep-seated family rivalry as the spark. Cops are raiding hideouts, postmortem in progress, intensifying the manhunt.
As Giridih reels, this blood-soaked Holi serves as a stark reminder of festival risks, fueling calls for regulated music events and proactive policing to safeguard joyous traditions from descending into chaos.