Police step in quickly to restore calm, appeal for peace and register cases against unidentified miscreants
MOTIHARI — Tension briefly gripped a village in Bihar’s Motihari district after a religious procession playing loud music passed a mosque. The situation developed despite a long-standing local agreement to avoid such acts near the site.
The incident took place in Bhandar village under the Pachpakri police station area during a Kalash Yatra linked to an event at a local temple. According to residents, the procession was moving towards Belwa Ghat when it reached the mosque, where a dispute broke out.
Locals said that for several years, both communities had followed an understanding that no DJ or loud music would be played while crossing the mosque, to maintain peace and mutual respect. However, on Monday morning, this understanding was not followed.
A resident said, “There was already an agreement. People requested that the music be stopped near the mosque, but it was instead made louder, which created tension.”
Eyewitnesses reported that some youths in the procession continued playing loud DJ music and allegedly used objectionable language, which led to objections from people present near the mosque. The situation quickly turned tense as people from both sides gathered at the spot.
Soon after, a clash broke out, with reports of stick-wielding groups confronting each other. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting immediate intervention by the administration.
On receiving information, District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal and Superintendent of Police Swarna Prabhat reached the spot along with senior officials. A large number of police personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control.
SP Swarna Prabhat said, “Some anti-social elements tried to disturb the procession, but timely action by the police ensured that the situation did not worsen.”
Officials held discussions with members of both communities and worked to calm tempers. The procession was later allowed to continue under police supervision.
Police have registered a case against unidentified individuals and said efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible for violating the agreement and creating tension.
Locals from both communities said the incident could have been avoided. One villager said, “For years, we have lived peacefully by respecting each other’s beliefs. Such acts disturb harmony and should not happen again.”
Authorities have confirmed that the situation is now under control. Police have urged people not to spread rumours and to maintain peace in the area.
The administration has assured that strict action will be taken against those found responsible, while also stressing the need to uphold the mutual understanding that has helped maintain communal harmony in the village for years.
