Clash over temple donation in Bihar: One injured, 3 arrested

Patna: A clash erupted between two groups in Izmali village, under Badharia police station in Bihar’s Siwan district, on Sunday, leaving one person injured. The confrontation began when a group from Gopalganj, traveling on motorcycles to collect donations for a temple construction in Badarjimi village, Gopalganj, was attacked by a group near a mosque in.

Patna: A clash erupted between two groups in Izmali village, under Badharia police station in Bihar’s Siwan district, on Sunday, leaving one person injured. The confrontation began when a group from Gopalganj, traveling on motorcycles to collect donations for a temple construction in Badarjimi village, Gopalganj, was attacked by a group near a mosque in Izmali village.

According to police, the altercation escalated when the group was ambushed by assailants near the mosque. Siwan Superintendent of Police Amitesh Kumar confirmed that three individuals have been arrested so far. The injured person was taken to the hospital, and an investigation is ongoing to identify the other individuals involved.

Kumar assured that the police are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further tensions. A heavy police presence was deployed in the village to prevent any escalation of communal unrest. Eyewitnesses reported that both groups pelted bricks and stones during the clash.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer Sadar 1 and the head of Badharia police station, Rupesh Kumar Verma, quickly arrived at the scene. Kumar stated that the situation is under control and assured further investigations would be conducted.

Despite the heavy police deployment, communal tensions remain high in the area. The incident follows multiple cases of violence reported during Holi celebrations in various parts of Bihar. This year, Holi and Ramzan coincided, and provocative statements from political figures exacerbated the situation.

BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul sparked controversy by suggesting that Muslims should stay indoors during Holi to avoid being splashed with colors, adding that they could go out with a “big heart.” Meanwhile, Anjum Ara, the Darbhanga Mayor, suggested suspending Holi celebrations for two hours on March 14 to allow Friday Namaz to take place peacefully, later apologizing for her comments.