On 20 October, Bihar’s Sitamarhi witnessed clashes between two groups after a Durga Puja procession was not allowed to pass through a particular area, resulting in the death of one person.
The victim’s body was later burnt in full public view by the mob.
The incident, however, went largely unreported.
WHAT HAPPENED?
On 20 October, a Durga Puja procession was denied entry through a Muslim-dominated area in Bihar’s Sitamarhi. According to the local police officials, a prior warning had been issued to avoid any clashes.
Upon being denied entry, the procession turned rowdy, leading to clashes between the two groups, forcing police intervention.
The group then targeted 80-year-old Zainul Ansari, who was reportedly returning from his daughter’s house. Ansari was then dragged and beaten by the mob and then burnt alive – pictures and videos of which have since gone viral.
The burnt corpse was discovered to be Ansari two days later, after the police filed a Missing Persons report. Internet was suspended in the region following the incident, in a bid to keep a check on rumour mongering.
Speaking to The Quint, Vikash Burman, the Superintendent of Police, Sitamarhi said:
“Ansari was not part of the two warring sides. He was likely targeted by the mob when he was in the locality.”
WHERE DOES THE CASE STAND?
Six FIRs have been filed, and so far 38 persons have been arrested, with more arrests likely to be made, Burman said. A case has been registered with the Sitamarhi Police, and an investigation is underway.
The cyber crime cell of the police have also sent a notice to Millat Times, the first news portal to have reported the incident, requesting them to take down the video of the incident.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)