Clash erupts in Bihar’s Nawada after idol vandalised, situation under control

A mob stoned shops, beat up media persons, torched a motorcycle and vandalised some business establishments in Bihar’s Nawada as clash erupted on Friday between two communities after a Hanuman idol in the town was allegedly vandalised.

To control the mob, the police had to fire several rounds in the air. Internet services too have been suspended in the area to avoid any further flare up.

Police said that the clash broke out after some devotees found that the idol at the Gondapur Chowk was damaged. As the news spread, a large number of people took to the streets to protest the desecration.

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.

In the clash, several shops, roadside stalls and a luxury vehicle were damaged and a motorcycle was torched.

“It was a matter of an idol being vandalised by some miscreants, which led to the communities coming face-to-face. Situation is now under control,” Nawada district magistrate 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 DSP rank officers were also sent to the Nawada, he said, adding the idol was replaced with the help of locals.

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 IPC for inciting communal violence and hurting religious sentiments.

Tension gripped Bihar after Ram Navami celebrations in the state were marred by communal violence earlier this week. Eleven of the state’s 38 districts were affected by the violence.