What Led to Stone Pelting in Sasaram and Bhagalpur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Community unrest can lead to violence against law enforcement.
- Timely police action is critical in preventing escalation.
- Dialogue between police and the community is necessary.
- Public safety must be prioritized in law enforcement actions.
- Accountability is essential for police in handling sensitive situations.
Patna, May 19 (NationPress) Two distinct incidents of mob aggression against law enforcement have emerged in Sasaram (Rohtas district) and Bhagalpur, Bihar, leading to injuries among several police officers and necessitating a robust presence of security personnel in the affected regions.
Tensions escalated in the Sagar neighborhood of Sasaram following the discovery of a local resident, Shahbaz Alam, who had been missing since May 13, found murdered in a drain adjacent to the historic Town police station in Dalelganj on Sunday night.
Shahbaz’s family had reported his disappearance on May 16, prompting concerns.
Upon learning of Shahbaz’s death on Monday morning, enraged locals converged and hurled stones at the police, accusing them of negligence and delayed action.
During the clash, multiple police officers, including Dalmia Nagar SHO Sushant Kumar Mandal, suffered injuries.
SHO Mandal sustained facial injuries and was promptly transported to Sadar Hospital in Sasaram for medical attention.
In response to the unrest, a significant police contingent was dispatched to restore order.
Authorities have apprehended over six individuals believed to be involved in the stone-throwing incident.
In a separate event, a police unit from Nathnagar’s Lalmatia police station faced hostility in Pasi Tola village, Bhagalpur, during a crackdown on illegal liquor activities on Sunday night.
Following a tip-off about widespread illegal liquor sales, law enforcement initiated a raid, seizing 20 liters of illicit alcohol from a known distributor's residence.
As police attempted to apprehend the suspect, a crowd, initially led by women and subsequently joined by local men, began to throw stones and bricks.
Three police officers were injured, and a police vehicle sustained damage amid the turmoil.
Reinforcements led by City DSP (Town II) Rakesh Kumar quickly arrived, and the situation was stabilized after cordoning off the area.
Ten individuals, including women, were detained at the scene.
“Those involved in the illegal liquor trade retaliated against the police in protest. We have taken ten individuals into custody. The situation is now under control,” stated DSP Rakesh Kumar.