By TCN Staff Reporter,
Patna: At least four shops belonging to members of Muslim community were looted and put on fire by some idol processionists last night in Gaya town after the community objected their being stationed for three hours near the mosque in Abgila locality and shouting provocative slogans.
When the incident took place there were no policemen. According to locals, even before all processions went pass the Muslim locality, the armed police personnel were withdrawn allegedly at the orders of local police station in-charge. The last procession reached the area and stationed there for three hours with processionists shouting provocative slogans.
“For three hours, one idol procession shouted provocative slogans just near the mosque in Abgila mohalla. Local Muslims remained silent but when the processionists did not move they came out and chased them away. In retaliation the processionists ransacked, looted and put on fire some shops belonging to the community members. The situation was brought under control after the heavy contingent of police force reached the spot,” a resident told TCN on phone.
The locals said when the processionists were shouting slogans there were no policemen at the spot. They alleged the local police station officials were hand in glove with the miscreants. Well past midnight a peace meeting was held with members of both communities.
Today armed forces staged flag march in sensitive areas of the town while heavy police force has been deployed in the violence hit area.