Updated: October 29, 2020 6:09:04 pm
Munger: A vehicle on fire after an angry mob set it on fire during a protest over the recent shooting during a Durga Puja event in Munger on Thursday, October 29, 2020 (PTI Photo).
New protests erupted in Bihar’s Munger on Thursday against the district administration, including as the Election Commission displaced District Magistrate Rajesh Meena and Police Superintendent Lipi Singh in the wake of the violence that erupted during the idol dip in Durga on Monday night.
The agitated crowd, made up mostly of young people, set fire to two police vehicles parked outside the Puravsarai outpost. The protesters shouted slogans against the now displaced SP Lipi Singh for her inability to control the violence, which left one person dead and more than three dozen people injured. Prohibition orders have been imposed under section 144 of the CrPC.
Meanwhile, the EC ordered an investigation into Munger’s violence by Magadh Commissioner Asangba Chuba Ao and ordered him to submit his report within a week.
Munger police said additional forces had been deployed after further protests, but said there had been no reports of any adverse incidents so far. When Munger went to the polls on October 28, residents were not allowed to hold any protest marches.
The protest started in Bata Chowk in the city of Munger around 10:30 am when about 50 people gathered to hold a peaceful protest against the local administration. As the protesters left Bata Chowk towards DM and Kotwali’s office, more people joined. Some of them even damaged vehicles parked on the side of the road. The protesters subsequently set fire to two government vehicles parked in front of the Puravsarai outpost. Crowds also ransacked the Mufassil police station.
A policeman was injured while trying to control the mob. So far, Munger police have detained more than 100 people in connection with the violence. New DMs and SPs are likely to be released in Munger in a day or two.
Munger: A vehicle on fire after an angry mob set it on fire during a protest over the recent shooting during a Durga Puja event in Munger on Thursday, October 29, 2020 (PTI Photo).
The incident has taken on political overtones with RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and LJP president Chirag Paswan. comparing the Munger administration to “General Dyer”.
Tejasjwi had said: “We want to know who ordered the police to open fire on the people.” JD (U) leader Sanjay Jha, on the other hand, said: “Now that Tejashwi and Chirag are talking the same way, LJP looks like Tejashwi’s B-Team.”
© The Indian Express (P) Ltd
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