1967 Ranchi-Hatia riots

The Ranchi-Hatia riots of 1967 were a series of communal riots that erupted in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, India, primarily between the Hindu and Muslim communities. Triggered by socio-political tensions, the riots began on February 26, 1967, following an altercation during a religious procession. The ensuing violence resulted in significant loss of life, property damage, and widespread fear among the affected communities. Official reports estimate several fatalities and numerous injuries, while thousands were displaced. The riots highlighted the fragility of communal harmony in post-independence India and prompted state and national debates on religious coexistence, minority rights, and law enforcement. The aftermath of the riots left lasting scars on community relations in the region.