In a disturbing turn of events, a peaceful procession carrying the murti of Maa Saraswati for visarjan (immersion) was viciously attacked by a group of Islamic fundamentalists in Darbhanga, Bihar. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, February 15th, shocked the local community and left many injured.
Reports indicate that the Hindu procession, scheduled to immerse the murti at 5 pm, was proceeding as planned when it was suddenly halted by a conservative Islamic mob. The mob, armed with stones, launched a ferocious assault on the procession, resulting in numerous injuries. Shockingly, the attackers also targeted and demolished the murti of Mata Saraswati.
The violence escalated further with reports emerging of acid attacks alongside the stone pelting, causing additional injuries, including among police officers present at the scene. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, prompting a swift response from law enforcement authorities, including the District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), who managed to restore order.
Saraswati Puja yatra attacked in Bihar’s Darbhanga when they reached Kasai mohalla #Bihar #Darbhanga #saraswatipuja2024 pic.twitter.com/mL3BkGYOxU
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) February 16, 2024
Further investigation into the incident has uncovered alarming details, suggesting a premeditated attack orchestrated by Islamic extremists. The attack reportedly took place in Muria near the Bhalpatti OP police station, with individuals from Butcher Mohalla in Hatgachi identified as the perpetrators. Among those named in the attack are Faizan, Mahtab Alam, Abdul Barik, Mohammad Abdullah, and Amjad.
The FIR lodged in connection with the incident reveals a meticulously planned conspiracy by the assailants. Law enforcement agencies have taken swift action, arresting 14 individuals involved in the attack, with efforts underway to apprehend others implicated in the violence.
The arrested accused have been identified as Alauddin (age 40 years), Mohammad Sartaj (age 45 years), Mohammad Alauddin (age 40 years), Mohammad Sameer (age 20 years), and Mohammad Tabrez. (Age 25 years), Mohammad Parvez (Age 25 years), Mohammad Nizam (Age 22 years), Mohammad Naseem (Age 35 years), Mohammad Nausad (Age 40 years), Rehman Qureshi (Age 28 years), Mohammad Abdullah (Age 21 years), Mohammad Faizan (aged 20), Abdul Barik (aged 45) and Mohammad Mahtab (aged 23).
According to the FIR, the procession, intended for the immersion of Maa Saraswati murtis installed in Tali Gumti and Muria, was targeted by Islamic fundamentalists as it passed through Hatgachi. The attackers, armed with stones, intercepted the procession, leading to chaos and violence.
The investigation has also unveiled evidence from WhatsApp communications, indicating the formation of a group named ‘Islam Zindabad,’ with seven administrators allegedly involved in planning the attack.
In response to the incident, a case has been registered against 61 identified individuals and 7 mobile numbers associated with the WhatsApp group on various charges, including obstruction, incitement of communal violence, and attacking law enforcement personnel. The investigation into the matter has been entrusted to Dhruv Kumar Chaudhary.
The charges include obstruction of justice, stone pelting, disruption of public order, incitement of communal violence, disturbance of social harmony, and assault on police and administrative personnel. The case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 147, 148, 149, 341, 323, 324, 325, 307, 332, 333, 353, 427, 153(A), 295(A), and 120. The investigation into this matter has been assigned to Dhruv Kumar Chaudhary.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses recount scenes of chaos and panic as the attackers unleashed violence on the procession, causing damage to property and disrupting public order. Despite claims to the contrary, authorities have confirmed that the procession did not pass through any mosque prior to the attack.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about communal harmony and the safety of religious processions in the region. Authorities remain vigilant as they work to ensure justice for the victims and prevent any further escalation of tensions.
