Communal flare-up in Bihar

There were some incidents of of communal violence in Nawada district of Bihar on Friday after an idol of a deity was allegedly vandalised by unidentified miscreants.

Opposition parties have blamed the ruling NDA government for fomenting communal tension “as part of a larger design by the BJP” while, the ruling JD(U) leaders asserted that the government would “pay any price in maintaining law and order in the State.”

The clash in Nawada broke out on Friday morning when some men at Gondapur chowk (thoroughfare) noticed that the the idol of a deity was damaged. With the news spreading fast, a large number of locals gathered at the place and indulged in vandalism. A shop was set on fire, vehicles were gutted and some business establishments were vandalised by the protesters.

Armed with sticks and metal rods, the mob blocked traffic on the National Highway-31. They demanded immediate arrest of those who had damaged the idol. Soon another group of a community reached the area and a clash broke out.

Firing in the air

The police had to open fire in the air to control the situation. They also used baton charge to disperse the protesters. Internet services were suspended. “The situation is under control ,” said Kaushal Kumar, DM, Nawada.

BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Giriraj Singh represents Nawada in Parliament.