A violent clash broke out at Piradhara Mosque in Bongaigaon during Friday prayers, leaving fifteen people injured. The incident occurred during Ramadan, a time of religious observance, when tensions escalated between two groups over prayer arrangements. Witnesses reported that the disagreement quickly turned into a physical altercation, forcing worshippers to flee the scene in panic.
Police arrived soon after receiving distress calls from local residents. Officers struggled to control the crowd as tempers flared inside and outside the mosque. Security personnel intervened to separate the groups, but by then, several people had sustained injuries. Many were taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention, while others received first aid on-site. Authorities confirmed that no fatalities had occurred but warned that the situation remained volatile.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos that unfolded. According to local residents, the disagreement started over seating arrangements and the leading of prayers. Some members of the congregation demanded changes, while others resisted, leading to verbal exchanges that quickly turned violent. The altercation resulted in broken furniture, damaged property, and several people suffering from bruises and fractures.
Police officials launched an immediate investigation to identify the key instigators behind the violence. Preliminary findings suggested that pre-existing tensions between the groups had contributed to the escalation. Officers reviewed CCTV footage and recorded statements from eyewitnesses to understand how the situation spiraled out of control.
Community leaders stepped in to defuse tensions and urged residents to maintain peace. Religious scholars and elders gathered to discuss possible solutions and emphasized the importance of unity during Ramadan. They reminded worshippers that places of worship should remain spaces of peace and reflection, not sites of conflict.
Local authorities increased security around the mosque and surrounding areas to prevent further clashes. Patrol teams monitored sensitive locations, while additional forces remained on standby. Officials assured the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible for inciting violence.
Residents expressed concerns over the incident, fearing that it could lead to further unrest. Many urged authorities to address the underlying issues that led to the conflict. Social activists called for dialogue and mediation to prevent future confrontations.
Medical teams at local hospitals reported that most of the injured were in stable condition. Doctors treated wounds and fractures, while some patients required extended observation. Families of the injured gathered at hospitals, anxiously awaiting updates on their loved ones.
Political leaders condemned the violence and appealed for calm. Statements from government officials highlighted the need for communal harmony and swift justice. The administration assured residents that measures were in place to ensure safety and that such incidents would not be tolerated.
The incident at Piradhara Mosque raised broader concerns about religious tensions in the region. Analysts noted that disputes over prayer practices had occurred in the past but rarely escalated to this level of violence. Experts stressed the importance of conflict resolution strategies to address grievances before they turned into full-blown clashes.
Authorities planned to hold meetings with local leaders to discuss long-term solutions. Efforts focused on fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and preventing future disagreements from disrupting communal life. The police continued their investigation, preparing to take legal action against those found guilty of instigating violence.
As Ramadan continued, residents hoped for a return to peace and normalcy. Many called for unity, reminding each other of the values of forgiveness and coexistence. The mosque reopened for prayers under tight security, with religious leaders urging worshippers to set aside differences and focus on the spiritual significance of the holy month.
While the immediate crisis had subsided, the community remained on edge, wary of further tensions. Authorities assured residents that every effort would be made to maintain law and order. The focus shifted toward rebuilding trust and preventing future conflicts from disrupting the harmony of Bongaigaon.
