Clashes in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur on Diwali over installation of goddess Kali idol

Tension prevailed in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district on Friday after clashes erupted between two communities over Kali Puja a day ago.
The tension started when members of a community wanted to install an idol of Goddess Kali in the Rambagh area of the city on Thursday. This was objected by a section of people, citing the panchayat decision which ordered against any new construction. Arguments ensued and they soon took a violent turn.
A meeting with the local peace committee members was also called by the police to bring down the tensions in the area.
Speaking on the issue, Muzaffarpur’s District Magistrate (DM) Subrat Sen said, “Some people tried to install an idol at a place where a prior panchayat decision had prohibited any new construction, leading to clashes. A meeting with peace committee members has resolved the matter, and police will be stationed in the area for the time being to maintain law and order.”
After the incident, the police filed a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and a probe has been launched.
According to a senior Muzaffarpur police official, Vikram Sihag, police were scanning the CCTV footage of the area to identify the accused involved in the clashes.
“We are scanning the CCTV footage of the area. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible,” Sihag said.