Clashes during Muharram procession at Arrah, 72 held; Net down


Clashes broke out between two groups during a Muharram procession in the district which left more than a dozen injured and some vehicles gutted, as official arrested 72 trouble-makers and booked 500 others today.
Bhojpur District Magistrate Birendra Prasad Yadav said the clashes took place at the Piro Bazar near here yesterday and Internet services were suspended to stop rumour-mongering.

The Internet services are likely to be restored by Wednesday morning, he said.

The trouble erupted when the Muharram procession diverted from its pre-determined route, he said.

This led to a stone-pelting between people of the two communities which left more than 12 injured. Some two-wheelers and a four-wheeler were also set ablaze, he said.

“Seventy-two people have been arrested and sent to jail and 500 others have been booked,” he said, adding a team has been formed under the Piro Sub Divisional Officer to identify other trouble-makers by tomorrow using CCTV footages.

Shahabad DIG is camping in the area and the situation is under control, the DM said.

The Piro Bazar had witnessed clashes last year also during Durga idol immersion and Internet services were suspended for five days. Four people were arrested in connection with the incident.