Bihar: Clashes in Muzaffarpur on Diwali over installation of idol of Goddess Kali

Tension erupted in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district on Friday after clashes broke out between two communities over Kali Puja a day ago.

The tension started when community members wanted to install an idol of Goddess Kali in Rambagh area of ​​the city on Thursday. A section of people objected to this citing the decision of the panchayats which prohibited any new construction. Disputes began, which soon turned into violence.

The police also called a meeting with members of the local peace committee to reduce tension in the area.

Speaking on the matter, Muzaffarpur District Magistrate (DM) Subrat Sen said, “Some people tried to install an idol at a place where an earlier panchayat decision had prohibited any new construction, leading to clashes. A meeting with members of the peace committee resolved the problem. Police will be stationed in the area for now to maintain law and order.”

After the incident, the police registered a case under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and an investigation was launched.

According to senior Muzaffarpur police official Vikram Sihag, the police were scanning CCTV footage in the area to identify the accused involved in the clashes.

“We are scanning CCTV footage in the area. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible,” Sihag said.

(With help from Mani Bhushan in Muzaffarpur)