Disguise Arrested: Man in Burqa Apprehended at Janmashtami Event in Ranchi

Ranchi, Jharkhand (August 19, 2025) – In a surprising turn of events during Janmashtami celebrations, authorities arrested a man disguised in a burqa at Albert Ekka Chowk. The incident, which unfolded on Sunday night, has raised eyebrows and sparked a discussion on public safety and communal harmony.
What Happened
- The incident occurred during a lively Dahi Handi and cultural event attended by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, alongside senior officials and hundreds in the crowd.
- A sharp-eyed attendee, Nusrat Parveen, noticed that the person wearing a burqa had a suspicious demeanor. Upon closer observation—particularly of his walk and build—she realized it was likely not a woman and notified police.
- The police responded promptly. The suspect, later identified as Pramod Soni, was intercepted near the Zila School as he attempted to flee in an e-rickshaw.
- Authorities confirmed that the suspect was indeed male and was living in Kishoreganj, Chunna Bhatta, in the Gumla district area.
- An FIR has been lodged under charges alleging an attempt to disrupt communal peace and harmony.
Public Reaction & Context
- Social media buzzed with reactions almost immediately. A post on X (formerly Twitter) succinctly put it: “PRAMOD SONI EMERGED FROM UNDER A BURQA. The Ranchi police in Jharkhand have arrested a person named Pramod Soni and sent him to jail.” X (formerly Twitter)
- Another tweet from user Ranjeet Singh remarked that Soni might have been “planning to disrupt the celebration.” X (formerly Twitter)
Significance of the Incident
Such an event carries multiple implications:
- Security Concerns: Disguising oneself in a burqa to infiltrate a crowd raises serious questions about the security protocols at public gatherings.
- Communal Sensitivity: The use of religious attire in deceptive circumstances can inflame communal tensions, especially during culturally significant events.
- Role of Vigilance: The decisive action by Nusrat Parveen emphasizes the importance of responsible vigilance by ordinary citizens in safeguarding public order.
Key Facts at a Glance
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Date & Occasion | Janmashtami celebration, Sunday night, August 17, 2025 |
Location | Albert Ekka Chowk, Ranchi |
Disguised Individual | Pramod Soni, resident of Kishoreganj, Chunna Bhatta, Gumla district |
Arrest Initiator | Nusrat Parveen, who observed suspicious behavior |
Apprehension Location | Near Zila School as he attempted to escape via e-rickshaw |
Charges Filed | Attempt to disturb communal harmony (FIR registered) |
Authority Involved | Kotwali Police Station, Ranchi |
Conclusion
The arrest of a man disguising himself in a burqa at a high-profile Janmashtami event highlights a concerning lapse in crowd security and a potential breach of communal harmony. It also underscores how vigilant citizens can play a crucial role in maintaining public safety. Ongoing investigations by the Ranchi police aim to uncover the motive behind this intrusion and whether it was an isolated incident or part of a larger scheme.

Man in Burqa Arrested at Janmashtami Event in Ranchi, Allegedly Tried to Disturb Harmony
Ranchi, Jharkhand (August 19, 2025):
A dramatic incident unfolded at Albert Ekka Chowk during the Janmashtami celebrations when police arrested a man disguised in a burqa. The suspect, identified as Pramod Soni from Kishoreganj, Chunna Bhatta, was caught in suspicious circumstances after being noticed by a vigilant woman, Nusrat Parveen.
🕵️ What Happened
- The incident occurred on Sunday night (Aug 17) during the Krishna Janmotsav event, attended by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, senior officials, and hundreds of devotees.
- Nusrat Parveen, a Muslim woman present at the event, observed that the person in burqa walked unusually and seemed suspicious.
- She immediately alerted police officials, who rushed to the scene and intercepted the suspect near Zila School as he tried to escape in an e-rickshaw.
- On interrogation, the man revealed his identity as Pramod Soni.
- An FIR has been registered under charges of attempting to disturb communal peace.
📌 Key Facts
- Location: Albert Ekka Chowk, Ranchi
- Date: August 17, 2025 (Janmashtami night)
- Accused: Pramod Soni, resident of Kishoreganj, Chunna Bhatta
- Alerted by: Nusrat Parveen
- Police Action: Arrested and sent to jail after questioning
- Jurisdiction: Kotwali Police Station
📢 Public Reaction
The incident quickly went viral on social media:
- A widely shared post stated: “PRAMOD SONI EMERGED FROM UNDER A BURQA. The Ranchi police have arrested him and sent him to jail.”
- Another user commented that he may have been “planning to disrupt the Janmashtami celebrations.”
⚖️ Why This Matters
Citizen Vigilance: Highlights the importance of ordinary people in preventing disturbances.
Security Lapse: Raises questions about safety during mass public events.
Communal Sensitivity: Disguises linked to religious attire can fuel unnecessary tensions.