New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Tension gripped Jharia area of Dhanbad, Jharkhand after a police team was allegedly attacked with stones and country-made bombs during an anti-drink-and-drive operation by the cops.

The incident took place near Katras More, on Sunday evening, where people allegedly consuming alcohol in public and anti-social elements opposed police action, leading to a violent confrontation.

According to officials, a Jharia Police patrol team was conducting an anti-drink-and-drive campaign in the area when they reached a liquor shop at Katras More. The police personnel reportedly found some people drinking alcohol and gathering at the spot and asked them to disperse.

The situation turned tense when some individuals allegedly began protesting against the police action. Witnesses said that a group of anti-social elements suddenly became aggressive and started pelting stones at the police patrol vehicle.

The attackers allegedly escalated the situation further by throwing two country-made bombs, commonly known as ‘sutli bombs’, causing loud explosions and panic among residents and shopkeepers in the area.

Following the stone-pelting and explosions, an atmosphere of fear spread in the locality. Several shopkeepers reportedly shut their establishments, while pedestrians rushed to safer locations to avoid getting caught in the violence.

After receiving information about the incident, personnel from Jharia Police Station along with additional forces from nearby police stations reached the spot. The police cordoned off the area and brought the situation under control.

To restore confidence among residents and maintain law and order, security forces conducted a flag march from Katras More to Singh Nagar. Police officials said that intensive patrolling continued in the area late into the night, with additional forces deployed to prevent any further disturbance.

The police have started an investigation into the incident and are examining CCTV footage from nearby locations to identify those involved in the stone-pelting and bomb attack. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the accused.

Police officials said the situation is currently under control and strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible for attacking the police team and disturbing public order.

Authorities have appealed to residents to maintain peace and cooperate with the investigation. Continuous monitoring is being carried out in the area, and security arrangements have been strengthened to ensure normalcy.

–IANS

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