Another clash erupts in Bihar
A ‘desecrated’ idol in Nawada sparks clash; 11 districts have faced disturbance since March 17; govt, Oppn in blame game
PATNA: A mob torched vehicles, stoned shops, beat up media persons and vandalised some business establishments in Bihar’s Nawada, about 130km southeast of state capital Patna, as clashes erupted on Friday between two communities after an idol of a deity was allegedly vandalised.
To control the mob, police had to fire several rounds in the air. Police resorted to firing when one group tried to set fire to the place of worship of another community. Internet services too have been suspended in the area to avoid any further flare-up.
Police said that the clashes broke out after some people found an idol of Hanuman at the Gondapur Chowk damaged. As the news spread, a large number of people took to the streets.
Armed with sticks, metal rods and daggers, the group went on a rampage as it marched to the National Highway 31.
The mob hurled stones at shops and vehicles near Baba ka Dhaba, forcing shopkeepers to down shutters. They also blocked vehicular movement demanding immediate arrest of the accused and replacement of the idol.
Soon another group congregated in the area and clashed with the other group. Several shops, roadside stalls and a luxury vehicle were damaged and a motorcycle was torched. “It was a matter of an idol being vandalised, which led to the communities coming face to face. Situation is now under control,” Nawada DM Kaushal Kumar said.
Patna zone IG N H Khan said that anti-riot company, cheetah battalion of the Special Task Force (STF), additional forces from nearby districts rushed to the spot to control the situation.
An additional SP and two DSPrank officers were also sent to Nawada, he said, adding the idol was replaced with locals’ help.
Besides, reserved forces from Patna were deployed in sensitive points while Magadh range DIG and divisional commissioner are camping at the spot, he added.
“We have identified miscreants responsible for the violence. Some of them have been detained,” the IG said.
Police have lodged cases under appropriate sections of the IPC for inciting communal violence and hurting religious sentiments.
Nawada is the 11th district in Bihar that has witnessed HinduMuslim clashes in past two weeks. Tensions flared first in the Nathangar locality of Bhagalpur on March 17 when saffron outfits took out an “unauthorised” Hindu New Year procession.
The districts that have been engulfed in communal tension are Bhagalpur, Siwan, Aurangabad, Gaya, Munger, Kaimur, Samastipur, Nalanda, Jamui, Sheikhpura and Nawada.
Though there has been no casualties so far, the spread of communal violence has been worrisome and evoked widespread criticism with the opposition slamming the state’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over its failure to maintain law and order. The opposition RJD, led by its leader Tejashwi Yadav, has been consistent in attacking the Nitish Kumar-led government in and outside the state legislature.
BJP spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan blamed RJD for the spreading communal violence in the state.