Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Sep 27: Communal tensions erupted in Bihar's Munger and Araria districts on Saturday, with clashes and inflammatory social media activity prompting swift police intervention in the politically sensitive period leading up to the state Assembly elections.

In Munger district’s Farahda village, a violent clash broke out between two communities over a disputed graveyard land, leaving one person injured. According to Munger Superintendent of Police Sayyad Imran Masood, the altercation escalated quickly, with stone-pelting and gunfire reported from both sides.

Police responded promptly, deploying teams led by the Sadar SDPO along with personnel from several stations to restore order. Twenty-two individuals from both communities have been arrested, and an FIR has been registered at Safiasarai police station. The injured individual sustained a leg wound and is currently undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital.

Heavy police deployment remains in the area to prevent any further escalation. “The situation is under control, and investigations are ongoing,” SP Masood confirmed.

In a separate incident in Jogbani town, Araria district, communal tension flared after a derogatory Instagram post against Prophet Mohammad went viral, leading to unrest. The accused, Aryan Shah, was arrested after local resident Zishan Khan filed a complaint. An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act and the IT Act, and police have confirmed the post’s authenticity.

Attempts were made by some individuals to enforce market shutdowns in reaction to the post, but the police swiftly increased deployments in sensitive zones to prevent further trouble.

These incidents come at a delicate time for Bihar, with the Assembly elections just weeks away. The state police now face heightened pressure to ensure communal harmony and law and order amid rising political and social tensions.