VIDEO: Clashes in Bihar's Darbhanga after stones hurled at Saraswati Idol Procession, 10 injured; SMS, IM are suspended
Clashes broke out between two communities on Friday after stone pelting during a Hindu procession carrying the idol of Goddess Saraswati for immersion in the Bahera area of Bihar's Darbhanga district.
Bihar News: At least 10 people have been injured in clashes that rocked parts of Bihar's Darbhanga district after a procession carrying an idol of Hindu goddess Saraswati for immersion was allegedly pelted with stones by persons belonging to another community.
Police said SMS and internet-based instant messaging services through social media networks and messaging apps like WhatsApp have been banned in the district to prevent the spread of fake news and maintain law and order.
#WATCH | Darbhanga: A clash broke out between two communities on Friday after stone pelting during a procession for the immersion of Saraswati at Bahera Market. The Darbhanga District Magistrate, SSP and senior officials reached the spot and took control of the situation. (16.02) pic.twitter.com/0MoQ9VVdgT
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2024
A circular issued by the state Home Department on Saturday suspended the sending of messages through various social networking sites and instant messaging services in the entire Darbhanga district till February 19 at 2 pm, they said.
“Some anti-social elements are using the internet to share objectionable content to spread rumors and discontent among the public and incite them to commit various offenses against communal harmony and cause damage to life and property, besides disturbing peace and peace,” the circular said. .
Clashes broke out between two communities on Friday after stones were pelted during a Hindu procession carrying the idol of goddess Saraswati for immersion. The incident sparked communal tension in parts of the district, prompting security forces to take action against the rioters.
Dozens of Hindus were injured during Murti Visarjan in Darbhanga. See how the stones were pelted at the devotees of Saraswati mata. The incident took place while they were on their way to Ghat. According to the victims, the Stone Pelters forced them to leave the murder… pic.twitter.com/72COTm7J8m
— Shubham Sharma (@Shubham_fd) February 16, 2024
A statement from Darbhanga police said: “A clash broke out between two groups during the Saraswati idol immersion in Bahera area of Darbhanga on Friday. People from both sides pelted each other with stones. The incident caused minor injuries to people from both sides. The situation was immediately under control.”
#WATCH | Darbhanga: On the clash between two communities during idol immersion in Saraswati, Darbhanga DM Rajeev Raushan says, “Under Bahera police station, a clash broke out between two communities during idol immersion. The officials reached the halt and took charge of the situation below… pic.twitter.com/iUR3IPtE10
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2024
Police have registered an FIR and arrested 40 suspects so far and a manhunt has been launched to nab over 150 named and unidentified suspects.
A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said at least 10 people were injured in the incident.
Minor clashes between two communities were also reported at Bishanpur and Hayaghat police stations in Darbhanga on Friday.
A similar incident was also reported from Lodipur area in Bhagalpur district on Friday, another police official said, adding that the situation was immediately brought under control.
(With PTI inputs)