Violence reportedly erupted following an argument between volunteers taking an idol for immersion.
Munger:
An 18-year-old man was shot dead and some people were shot and wounded after clashes during the submersion of goddess Durga on Monday in Munger, Bihar. A video showing a lathi charge by police against a group carrying an idol of Durga, widely circulated online, sparked anger just a day before the state’s vote for a new government began.
A disturbing image that emerged after the incident is of a young man lying dead on the ground with his head split open.
Police say that during the immersion of Durga’s idols last night, “anti-social elements” targeted the police and threw stones at them. Violence reportedly erupted following an argument between volunteers taking an idol for immersion and the police, who accused the group of delaying the process. The stone throw caused a lathicharge. When the situation worsened, the police also reportedly fired.
“During the immersion in Durga puja, some anti-social elements resorted to throwing stones which left 20 police officers injured. After someone from the crowd fired, killing one. The situation is under control, ”said Lipi Singh, police commissioner. Munger.
Some officials said police officers were also targeted. “Rumors have spread and attempts have been made to vitiate the atmosphere after the incident,” an official said, adding that three pistols, bullets and cartridges had been found.
“There have been attempts to falsely accuse the police of beating people. The situation is now calm. We are trying to identify the accused,” he said.
The deceased man has been identified as Anurag Poddar.
Among those who tweeted about the incident was Chirag Paswan, whose party is fighting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar despite being part of the National Democratic Alliance.
“Munger police should be charged with murder. Worshipers have been fired under Nitish Kumar’s ‘Taliban-like’ rule. The region’s police chief should be immediately suspended and an FIR should be registered. The victim’s family should receive Rs 50 lakh and government work, ”Chirag Paswan tweeted, targeting the chief minister.
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi called the incident “unfortunate” and said the election commission should investigate and take action.
