Many hurt in fresh violence in Bhojpur, Madhepura

Ara/Madhepura/Patna: At least three persons were injured in a fresh violence at Piro in Bhojpur district where rioters torched two vehicles in the market area on Friday. The violence erupted a day after IG (Bihar Military Police) Ajitabh Kumar promised in a peace committee meeting that adequate forces would be deployed in the town to rein in the rioters.
The district administration has shut down internet services in Bhojpur till further orders to prevent further misinformation and chaos. On Friday, two more people were arrested in connection with the communal flare up. Shahabad range DIG Mohammad Rahman, DM Virendra Prasad Yadav and SP Kshtranil Singh are camping in violence-hit areas to avoid any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, rioters forcibly shut business establishments at Bihariganj in Madhepura on Friday. Police sources said even though no further violence took place, the situation remained tense in the town. Rioters also pelted state disaster management minister Chandrashekhar, MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, Bihariganj MLA Niranjan Mehta, Alamnagar MLA Narendra Narayan Yadav, Chhatapur (Supaul) MLA Niraj Kumar Bablu and other local people with stones when they were appealing to people to maintain peace. Police used mild force to disperse the rioters. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have been promulgated in Bihariganj. Virendra Prasad Mahto has been posted as the Bihariganj police station SHO. The government on Friday shifted Udakishunganj SDPO Rahmat Ali to Madhepura headquarters after his role in the riots came under scanner.
In Sitamarhi too, 11 villagers sustained injuries in a group clash at Kachor village under Kanhauli police station area on Thursday. At least 17 thatched houses and a shop were set ablaze by the rioters. Heavy stone pelting was also reported near the village chowk. Rioters also looted few houses during the violence. Sitamarhi DM Rajiv Raushan and SP Hari Prasath S are camping at the location along with police forces.