Tension brews in Bihar's Kishanganj over rumours of defacement of idol

Kishanganj (Bihar): Ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, there was tension in Kishanganj over the alleged defacement of an idol of Goddess Kali in the Nepal Gadh colony of the district in the wee hours of Monday.  As the news spread, locals gathered in large numbers. The administration acted swiftly and brought the situation under control.

Kishanganj District Magistrate Animesh Kumar Prashar and Superintendent of Police Rajiv Ranjan urged people to go back to their homes and not believe in rumours. The police carried out flag marches in several areas anticipating a possible breach of peace. Jawans of the Bihar Police and paramilitary forces were rushed to the area to deal with the anti-social elements.

“This act is aimed at disrupting peace in the area but we will not allow it to happen at any cost. Those who are involved will soon be arrested and actions will be taken against them,” Prashar told Firstpost, adding that they were “closely monitoring the situation, which is completely under control”.

The police force in the district, SP Ranjan said, is keeping a strict vigil in the area and search for the culprits is on. “They will be arrested soon,” he added.

Asked if they see any provocation from any organisation, he said, “We have no knowledge of it. The police have been doing their duty and we will not let anyone disrupt peace in the district.”

Residents restricted their activities and shops remained closed. The usual activity in the festive season slowed down as not many ventured out of their homes on Monday morning.

“The entire market and neighbourhood used to be flooded with people shopping for Jitya festival. However, in view of the tension here, lesser number of people have come out. Last year, riots broke out after the chopped head of a cow was found near a temple,” said Kush Kumar Singh, who runs a paan shop.

Security in the neighbouring areas has also been beefed up to avoid any unavoidable circumstances. Kishanganj is going to the polls on 5 November, the last phase of the five phased elections this year.