Bihar Ram Navami clash: Fresh violence erupts in Rohtas, Nalanda; 1 killed, 80 arrested
Patna/IBNS: Tension prevailed in Bihar even a day after Ram Navami clashes as fresh violence took place in Rohtas and Nalanda districts on Saturday, the police said.
In Nalanda's Biharsharif, one person was killed and several others injured after clashes broke out between two groups last evening.
Six people were injured in a blast in Sasaram town of Rohtas district.
According to the police, the blast occurred at a house in Sasaram and they recovered a two-wheeler from the site.
"The injured are being treated at a hospital in Sasaram and an investigation is on," an official said.
Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Nalanda to maintain law and order in the region.
Clashes were first reported in the two districts on Friday.
The tension in the areas had been building since Thursday over taking out Ram Navami processions.
By Friday afternoon, the tension spiralled into a full-blown clash, with the groups attacking each other with stones.
At least 80 people have been arrested and meetings are being organised by community leaders urging people to maintain peace, said the police.
Security has been beefed up in Nalanda and Rohtas and senior officials are present at the spot.
Social media is also being monitored to prevent the spread of any false or provocative news.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar alleged that communal tensions in Sasaram and Biharsharif were triggered by some people indulging in "gadbad" (mischief).
"Communal tensions during Ram Navami festivities at Sasaram and Bihar Sharif are disturbing. Such incidents happened for the first time in the area. It's not natural," Kumar said.
He said police officials have been instructed to identify those who are indulging in mischief and to "take strict action against them".