What started as an insignificant dispute between two children at a vegetable market in Panchgachiya village soon spiralled into a major conflict between two groups. Officials have refrained from attributing the violence to communal tensions
Team Clarion
BHAGALPUR – A minor altercation between two children in Bhagalpur, Bihar, escalated into a violent clash, leaving three people injured, including Shoaib and Abdul. The situation led to stone pelting, prompting a heavy police deployment, turning the entire area into a virtual police cantonment.
What started as an insignificant dispute between two children at a vegetable market in Panchgachiya village, under Gopalpur police station limits in Navgachiya police district, soon spiralled into a major conflict between two groups. According to eyewitnesses, the children’s quarrel attracted the attention of adults from both sides who attempted to intervene. However, rather than pacifying the situation, tensions flared, leading to a full-blown altercation.
“Initially, it was just a small fight between the kids, but people started taking sides, and things got out of control,” said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the incident.
As the disagreement intensified, some individuals resorted to throwing stones, leading to injuries. Shoaib and Abdul, two residents caught in the crossfire, suffered serious wounds and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. A third person also sustained minor injuries.
“The situation escalated so quickly that within minutes, people were pelting stones at each other. We had to take cover,” said another eyewitness.
As soon as news of the violence spread, authorities acted swiftly. Officers from six police stations arrived at the scene, but their initial attempts to calm the tensions proved unsuccessful. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) arrived with reinforcements.
“We had to deploy a significant force to ensure that the situation did not deteriorate further. Our priority was to protect the people and prevent any further escalation,” stated an official from the local police department.
Following intervention by law enforcement, peace was eventually restored, though the authorities have maintained a strong presence in the area. Residents describe the heavy police deployment as a necessary measure to prevent further clashes.
“The presence of the police has reassured us, but there is still an air of tension. We hope this does not happen again,” said a local resident.
While officials have refrained from attributing the violence to communal tensions, locals suggest that underlying issues may have played a role in the rapid escalation of the conflict.
“Such incidents have been increasing lately, and it is always the Muslim community that suffers the most. We demand a fair investigation and strict action against those responsible,” said a relative of one of the injured individuals.
In the wake of the violence, district officials have urged both communities to maintain peace and harmony. Meetings with community leaders are being organised to ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
“We appeal to the people of Bhagalpur to stay calm and not fall prey to rumours. Law and order will be maintained at all costs,” assured a senior police officer.
