Monday’s municipal polls in Giridih turned into a battlefield when fierce rivalries in Ward 18 exploded into violence, complete with gunfire and destruction. Two men now fight for their lives after being shot, raising alarms about safety in Jharkhand’s urban elections.
The trouble started early as voters clashed at polling booths, with brawls interrupting the process repeatedly. Police struggled to maintain peace amid rising tempers. Tensions peaked during the closing phase in Azad Nagar, where a mob confrontation spiraled out of control.
Vandals targeted nearby businesses, shattering glass and looting in the melee. Amid the frenzy, bullets flew, hitting Mo. Shameem Ansari (Sheru) in the head and Mo. Aslam in the lower limb. First responders ferried them to Sadar Hospital, from where they were urgently referred to Dhanbad.
A robust police response followed, spearheaded by SDM Shrikant Vispute, SDPO Jitwan Urang, and local forces. Control was eventually restored, but the scars of the incident remain.
Stakeholders are pointing fingers, with opposition parties alleging foul play by ruling factions. The administration promises a fair inquiry, even as the nation watches how Jharkhand addresses this breach of electoral sanctity. Results may decide winners, but today’s events have already claimed victims.