New Delhi: In Darbhanga, tensions escalated as clashes broke out between two communities in Bahera market on Friday. The police have taken swift action by lodging separate First Information Reports (FIRs) against 170 named accused and 400 unidentified individuals across Bahera, Bishanpur, Hayaghat, and Bhalpatti police stations.According to Darbhangas Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Jagunath Jala Reddy, At least 53 named accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.Situation under control, says district magistrateDarbhanga District Magistrate Rajeev Raushan informed reporters that the clash occurred during idol immersion under the Bahera police station area. Prompt intervention by officials helped bring the situation under control.Clashes reported in various districtsApart from Darbhanga, clashes were reported in Bhagalpur, Saharsa, Sitamarhi, Sheikhpura, Siwan, and Jamui during Saraswati puja idol immersion ceremonies.In Bhagalpur, a clash erupted as stones were allegedly pelted at a procession during the immersion of the Goddess Saraswati idol in the Lodipur area. Gunshots were fired during the confrontation, resulting in injuries to about 15 people.🚨 BIG BREAKING: Saraswati Puja procession was attacked when they reached Kasai Mohalla (butchers colony) in Bihars Darbhanga pic.twitter.com/oQTmE337L4— The Need Of The Hour! 🚨 (@TheNOTHour) February 16, 2024Police response and investigationBhagalpur City Superintendent of Police (SP) Raj led a police contingent to restore order. In Saharsa, clashes in the Nariyar Lataha Tola locality left four people injured, while six were injured in Sheikhpura. The police are investigating incidents of violence and have urged the public not to fall for rumors spread through social media.In Sitamarhi, violence erupted in the Kanhauli police station area, with gunshots reported. Stone-pelting incidents also occurred in Bahuara village, Siwan district, and clashes in Jamui district left more than ten people injured. The authorities have identified those involved in the violence.At Murti Visarjan in Darbhanga, Bihar, stones were thrown at Saraswati Matas followers, forcing them to abandon the murti midway as they made their way to the ghat#News #Topindiannews #Darbhanga #Bihar #Saraswatimata #India pic.twitter.com/XBlJhAQU8O— Top Indian News (@topindiannews_) February 17, 2024Internet services suspendedIn response to the violence and tension, internet services were suspended in Darbhanga district for 48 hours, effective Saturday. This decision aims to curb the spread of rumors and maintain peace and tranquility in the region.According to the notification issued by Additional Chief Secretary to the government Dr. S Siddharth, the suspension is necessary to prevent the dissemination of objectionable content that may incite communal disharmony and disrupt public peace.The district administration remains vigilant, emphasizing the importance of maintaining communal harmony and ensuring the safety of all citizens amidst the current circumstances.
