Bihar: Clash in Bhagalpur after Hindu New Year procession taken out by BJP workers, 18 injured

During a Vikram Samvad procession in Bhagalpur district in Bihar, a clash broke out between two communities on Saturday. The incident took place in Nathnagar police station area of the district through which a procession of the BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal workers - led by Arijit Choubey, son of Union minister Ashwini Choubey - had passed, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bhagalpur, Manoj Kumar said.

According to Zee News, the incident occurred when one group objected to songs being played by the procession at Medinagar Chowk which led to a confrontation between the members of the procession and locals. A quarrel, however, began soon afterwards among local residents belonging to two different communities. SSP said that gunshots were fired, shops and vehicles were set ablaze and shoes were hurled at each other. 

Senior police officials have assured that those behind the clashes would be identified and strict action would be taken. Manoj Kumar said the procession, taken out on the eve of the new 'Vikram Samvat' year, began from the Budhanath temple and reached Nathnagar after criss-crossing the town This was followed by stone-pelting from both sides. One bike was damaged, and several shops were vandalised. During the showdown, 50 rounds were reportedly fired between the two groups.

At least 18 individuals including six policemen were injured. The DM and SSP reached the spot after receiving information, but their calls for peace went unanswered until additional police forces arrived. Police from 20 stations are camping in Bhagalpur to maintain the peace.