New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS): After a man was killed and many hurt in firing during Durga idol immersion in Bihar's Munger where the police's role has come under criticism, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad called the lathi charge by police as "barbaric", demanding suspension of guilty officers immediately. The VHP has also smelled a "conspiracy" by the police and administration.

"The unprovoked, unnecessary and barbaric lathi charge on peaceful and unarmed devotees going for the immersion of Devi Durga idols is condemnable in the strongest terms. It is unfortunate that one devotee has died and six others seriously injured by the brutal lathi charge," said VHP's working President Alok Kumar.

Munger police claimed 'elements' within the crowd who fired, which led to the death of a young man.

But Alok Kumar claimed that the incident can be a "conspiracy of the local administration and police" to affect the Bihar Assembly election.

In a 4-part demand, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad asked for immediate suspension of the guilty police and administrative officers and enquiry against them. The VHP has also demanded that those personnel who may be found guilty in the enquiry shall be prosecuted "including under Section 302 IPC in a fast track court and punished". IPC 302 pertains to cases relating to murder.

VHP's working President has also demanded adequate compensation for the persons "affected by the unlawful attack by the police" as well as "effective steps" to prevent the recurrence of such events in future.

Earlier LJP chief Chirag Paswan, whose party is fighting against JDU, tweeted: "Munger police should be charged with murder. Devotees were fired upon in the 'Taliban-like' rule of Nitish Kumar. The area Superintendent of Police should be immediately suspended and an FIR should be registered. The family of the victim should be given Rs 50 lakh and a government job."

Bihar goes to polls on Wednesday for the first phase.