Madhepura: On Friday, a violent clash occurred between two communities in Bihar’s Madhepura district where 24 people, including nine police personnel, were injured, officials said. A shopkeeper and customer were arguing over payment for a sachet of gutka (chewing tobacco), and in the altercation, the customer was shot, resulting in the incident in the Udakishunganj subdivision.
The customer resisted cash payment from the shopkeeper, according to Madhepura Superintendent of Police (SP) Sandeep Singh. This escalated into the customer calling for support, and along with others, he physically assaulted the shopkeeper. Then, the shopkeeper fled to his village and brought back about 25 more supporters, which turned out to be a violent confrontation. Soon, the situation was getting out of hand as both sides took stones at one another.
The scene from Chousa police station was not one that a police team from the station expected to arrive at; it was vastly outnumbered. In addition to continuing the clash, the rioters had attacked the police, injuring nine personnel and damaging police vehicles. The order was restored with reinforcements.
However, SP Singh confirmed that 24 people from both communities were arrested in connection with the violence. 15 more suspects have been identified through CCTV footage and on site images and raids were being launched to catch them. Chicken and egg have filed six separate complaints and an FIR has been registered for road blockage, obstruction of duty and damage to police property.
Heavy police deployment continues to take place in Abhiya Tola and Dabru Tola villages in order to prevent further tensions. The situation is back to normal and local leaders have met in a peace meeting with authorities facilitating it. Those responsible for inciting the violence are still being investigated.
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