Communal clashes erupt in Bihar's Nawada, police resort to tear gas; internet services suspended
Meanwhile, internet services have been suspended in the district to prevent rumours from spreading in view of the tense situation.
Tension prevailed in Bihar's Nawada on Friday as clashes broke out between two groups over the alleged desecration of an idol. In order to bring situation under control, police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas shelling. However, the situation is now under control.
Meanwhile, internet services have been suspended in the district to prevent rumours from spreading in view of the tense situation.
On Thursday, nearly 50 people, including two local BJP workers, were held in Samastipur and Nalanda districts in connection with communal clashes that erupted there in the last couple of days.
Eleven persons have been taken into custody in Samastipur district where trouble had erupted on Tuesday when some miscreants hurled footwear at a procession carrying the idol of Goddess Durga for immersion upon the conclusion of Chaiti Navaratra festivities in Rohtas town, Superintendent of Police Deepak Ranjan said.
Two local BJP leaders were also among those detained for interrogation, the SP said while declining to divulge their names.
During the violence, heavy stone-pelting was witnessed from two sides close to a mosque and three motorcycles were also set afire.
The situation was brought under control after heavy deployment of police and active involvement of senior officials including the zonal Inspector General of Police, the DIG and the Divisional Commissioner concerned, though prohibitory orders under Section 144 were also clamped on Rosera which remain in force, the SP said.
Those involved in the clashes are being identified with the help of CCTV footage and so far 11 persons have been rounded up for interrogation, the SP said.
Meanwhile, 36 people, including two women, have been arrested in Nalanda district where members of two communities had clashed yesterday while a Ram Navami procession was being taken out in Silao block.
Communal clashes have been reported from various parts of Bihar in the recent past, with opposition parties like the RJD and the Congress accusing the BJP of inciting violence and charging JD(U) president and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with being "helpless" before the coalition partner.
WATCH VIDEO | Bihar continues to burn as fresh clashes erupt in Nawada