Communal Tension Grips Bihar Town After Violent Clashes

Patna: Communal tension gripped Bihar's town Jehanabad on Thursday following violent clashes during immersion of Durga idols. Security forces have been heavily deployed in the town, as markets and educational institutions remained closed and roads deserted, police said.

According to reports from Jehanabad district headqurter—situated at a distance of about 50 km from Patna—taking communal tension into consideration, entire district has been sealed and all police stations have been alerted.

Violent clashes took place in Jehanabad on Wednesday night between two communities when some people allegedly pelted stones at a Durga idol immersion procession. Angry over it, hundreds of people gathered at different places after the news spread; they also pelted stones at people belonging to the other community. They also attacked a religious place, shops and reportedly set ablaze a few shops.

Half a dozen people including police officials were reportedly injured during violent clashes in Jehanabad.

Jehanabad District Magistrate Naveen Kumar told NewsClick that situation is under control and administration has appealed to people to maintain peace and not pay heed to the rumours. “Some anti-social elements tried to create tension. We will not allow them to succeed”.

However, Kumar said no casualty was reported and there was no report of any fresh clashes from anywhere so far.

He said that the administration has invoked Section 144 as a preventive measure and warned of tough action against troublemakers. Additional security forces have been deployed and patrolling has been intensified.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed concern over the situation in Jehanabad and directed officials to take stern action against anti-social elements. He further appealed to people and all political parties to help the government ensure peace and social harmony in Jehanabad town.