News Brief
Munger: Devotee Dies In Firing Amid Violence In Durga Immersion Procession After Cops Assault Idol Carriers
Screengrab of alleged police action in Munger
A member of a Durga Puja immersion ceremony died due to a bullet wound to his in Bihar's Munger town as violence erupted during the procession yesterday night (26 October).
As per a Times Now report, 53 Durga idols were installed in Munger and the administration had asked the puja organisers to finish the immersion by 5 AM on Tuesday in light of the polls in the state.
The report claims that processions were thus taken out on Monday night and cops allegedly thrashed four individuals who were carrying idols. This caused a furore with people demanding action against the cops. Soon violence erupted which included incidences of stone pelting.
The report also shares a viral social media video wherein a team of cops can be seen brutally lathi-charging at the devotees.
As per an Hindustan Times report, the cops first fired tear gas shells and then opened fire after the tear gas shells allegedly proved ineffective. The cops are said to have fired 15 rounds in the air.
The deceased has been identified as 18-year-old Anurag Kumar Poddar who was reportedly shot in the head. A total of others have been injured in the incident including 20 cops. Seven are said to have received bullet injuries.
The situation was brought under control at around 1 AM. A large team of Bihar Military Police (BMP) and paramilitary forces have been deployed in the town as a precautionary measure.
The local police administration meanwhile has accused a mob of pelting stones and opening fire on the cops.
"The mob pelted stones and opened fire on police which led to the death of one person and injured 27 people including 20 policemen,” Munger SP Lipi Singh has been quoted as saying.
The cops have reportedly detained 100 people for questioning in connection with the incident. They have claimed to have recovered three country made pistols and 12 cartridges.
Social media users meanwhile are demanding action against cops involved in the matter and are terming it as a brutal attack on Durga Puja devotees by the police.
They are also demanding that action be taken against the SP Lipi Singh who is being accused of having ordered
This incident comes at a time when the state of Bihar is gearing up for assembly polls. The first phase of polling will take place tomorrow (28 October).
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