Prohibitory order under section 144 of CrPC has been imposed at Chando village under Chainpur police station where last night a dispute over immersion procession route caused communal clash between two communities there resulting in the burning of 5 auto rickshaws, one tractor, one four wheeler, two bikes and three houses said SP Palamu Indrajeet Mahatha.

DC Palamu Shantanu Kumar Agrahari said “ Damages are being assessed and compensation would be paid to the victims.”  He appealed for amity and understanding between the two communities.

SP Mahatha further clarified “ No damage to the wall of the Chando mosque has been done. A khaprail house adjacent to the mosque was set afire . Fire brigade controlled the fire. All holy scriptures are intact there in the mosque. Traces of fire were noticed in the Madrasa close to the mosque there where arson was committed.”

The SP added “ On the request of the minority community water was made available from our fire brigade to cleanse the floor of the mosque as the community said it would offer its prayer here. Administration has hailed this decision of the community which will further help restore harmony and peace here.”

Sources said Muslims have re started their daily namaaz from today itself in the same Chando mosque which the SP confirmed.

Police opened more than half a dozen round of firing at Chando to curb and control the rampaging mob. Six people have been arrested here.

DC Agrahari said peace and harmony broke down here when immersion processionists took an undecided route that led to resistance and protest from the minority community here. DC and SP camped all night here at Chando. Additional forces have been brought in Palamu from Latehar, Lohardagga, Khunti and Ranchi said SP.

Six were hurt. One of the 6 hurt is an unrelated case and has nothing to do with this communal fracas said SP who said “ One Satya Narain Singh was driving a tractor on which was seated the idol for immersion. He hurt himself. It might be due to his own rashness in driving. He first hit a wall of a house then broke down a shouchalaya and finally a tree. He got himself badly injured in all this highly impulsive driving. He was admitted in the sadar hospital Daltonganj where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.”