AURANGABAD IN BIHAR ON THE EDGE AFTER RAM NAVAMI CLASHES

PATNA: Authorities clamped prohibitory orders in Aurangabad and suspended internet services for 24 hours in a bid to check rumours to contain communal clashes that began over Ram Navami processions on Sunday and spilled over on Monday.

The government’s action came after mobs in the town around 140 km south east of the capital Patna, ran riot, setting shops and hotels on fire.

According to reports reaching police headquarters, two communities clashed in the town area on Monday afternoon when miscreants started pelting stones at a Ram Navami procession. Over three dozen people, including some policemen, were injured in the incident.

Police said that the procession had proper permission and was passing through a pre-determined route around 2 pm. When it was passing by a mosque, some anti-social elements pelted stones on the procession.

It was followed by gun fire and bomb blasts. As the news spread, it led to retaliation.

District magistrate Rahul Ranjan Mahiwal and superintendent of police Dr Satya Prakash rushed to the trouble spots. Soon, a government vehicle moved in the localities announcing the imposition of a curfew and shoot-at-sight orders.

CRPF personnel also used a mild lathi charge to disperse the rioting mobs.

Mahiwal, however, said a curfew was not imposed. He said the administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 in the entire town. He also did not confirm whether a shoot-at-sight order was issued. “More than 50 peoole have been taken into custody,” he said, adding “the situation is under control.”

“We have intensified patrolling in the area. CCTV footage is being examined to identify culprits and FIRs would be lodged against them,” he said. Magadh divisional commissioner Jitendra Srivastava and deputy inspector general of police Binay Kumar are also camping in town with adequate reinforcement.