Communal clashes: Net services suspended in Saran

Internet services were suspended in Chhapra and other parts of Saran district following protests over desecration of deities by some unidentified persons.

The state government gave the orders to shut down Internet services after communal clashes erupted in various parts of the district, particularly in Chhapra and adjoining areas. More than 25 persons have been arrested so far for creating communal tension in Saran district.

According to a statement issued by the district administration, “More persons are likely to be arrested in connection with creating disturbances in the district.” The statement also mentioned that CCTV footage was being examined by the police to find out information about more persons involved in the clash.

The trouble started on Saturday after a group attacked the protest march which was being taken out against the video of desecrated deities which had gone viral on social media sites. Both the groups resorted to brick batting, in which district magistrate of Saran Deepak Anand and few police officers received injuries.

In a bid to control the situation, the district administration deployed around 2,000 armed security personnel and also resorted to baton charge against rioters. On Sunday, several senior officials, including IG operations Kundan Krishnan, rushed to Chhapra to take stock of the situation.

“Security forces have been deployed in all sensitive areas of the district. The situation is under control and all those who created disturbances in the district will not be spared,” district magistrate Deepak Anand said, adding, “More security will be deployed in the district if needed.”

Sources said, the police have identified a person from Bengaluru in connection with the video of desecrated deities.