Violence in Aurangabad, Bihar even after imposition of Section 144

The violence which started during Ram Navami procession in Aurangabad, Bihar has not ended till now. Even after imposition of Section 144, a lot of vandalism has taken place. Rioters hurled stones at a Chowk in the city and burnt shops too. The administration has now imposed curfew in the area.

Earlier on the evening of March 25, violence took place during a Ram Navami procession. People wearing saffron bands and with swords in hand were seen accompanying the procession on two wheelers. When the procession entered Aurangabad’s Nawadih locality, some people allegedly shouted objectionable statements. The situation got tense when people in the locality objected to the statements. Both the groups hurled stones at each other.

Subsequently, people taking part in the procession allegedly hurled stones at the Inayat Masjid outside the locality. Hundreds of people from the procession entered Kalami colony. They reportedly started throwing stones and hitting people with hockey sticks. Meanwhile, a part of the procession entered and vandalised the Eidgah and crematorium located near Nawadih Colony. People alleged that rioters also aggravated some graves. Muslim-owned shops were set on fire in the main market of the city. The alleged attackers also made a video of the whole incident and posted it on social media.

Translated by Zaheeb Ajmal.