Bihar: Caste Tensions Continue in Saran, Social Media ban Extended

Patna: Caste tension continues to persist in the Manjhi block of Saran district in Bihar on Thursday, a day after another youth succumbed to injuries after being beaten on Sunday in a poultry farm allegedly by supporters of the husband of a local mukhiya. Considering this development, the state government has extended a ban on several social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, to stem escalating caste tensions due to widespread rumours.

The district administration deployed additional security forces from half a dozen police stations in and around Mubarakpur village to monitor the situation and prevent further trouble. Top police officials have been camping there. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code imposed last Sunday continues.

Police are using drones to keep surveillance in Mubarakpur and neighbouring areas.

"The ban on social media, which was in effect from February 6-8, was extended till February 10 in view of prevailing tension after the death of another youth. The police have been keeping a close eye on such elements who are using social media to spread rumours, social distrust and tension," a district administration official of ADM rank told NewsClick.

Early this week, the ban was ordered by the state home department's additional chief secretary, Chaitanya Prasad.

"Tension is still in the air. News of the death of another injured youth on Wednesday night has added fuel to the fire. Villagers belonging to the upper caste community are angry. Heavy deployment of security forces has been done to ensure peace," a district police official told NewsClick.

As per the version of local police officials, on February 2 (last Thursday), some villagers caught three youths suspected of firing upon Vijay Yadav, husband of the local mukhiya, tied them up, and beat them up in a poultry farm. 

One person, Amitesh Kumar Singh, died from the beating, while two others, Rahul Kumar Singh and Alok Kumar Singh, were seriously injured and hospitalised in Patna.

According to reports, Rahul Kumar Singh, who was battling for life in a private hospital in Patna after being seriously injured, died while Alok Kumar Singh was discharged from the hospital.

Last Sunday, supporters of the upper caste Karni Sena allegedly set fire to several homes belonging to an OBC (Other Backward Class) community and torched several vehicles in the Sidharia Tola locality of Mubarakpur village as an “act of revenge.”

The Karni Sena supporters also launched a campaign on social media after Amitesh Kumar Singh was allegedly beaten to death and two others were critically injured, said various media reports.

After a purported video of the alleged beating went viral on social media, the Karni Sena reportedly “called for seeking revenge.” The group held a meeting last week, as per reports. Over 500 youths on motorcycles armed with bamboo sticks, iron rods, and pistols allegedly attacked homes, ransacked and set fire to huts and vehicles, and threatened members of the specific caste while shouting slogans.

Read Also: Bihar: Manjhi Block Experiences Caste Tension after Alleged Attack by Karni Sena Supporters

Saran Superintendent of Police Gaurav Mangla said police had arrested 13 persons in connection with the attack, arson and spread of rumours on social media. Besides, police arrested five persons in connection with alleged merciless beating and murder.

"Police have attached the property of the main accused, Vijay Yadav, after a local court order on Wednesday. Police teams have been raiding places to arrest absconding accused," Mangla told reporters.

Meanwhile, a string of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have started blaming the Rashtriya Janata Dal-led Mahagathbandhan government for “targeting a specific caste” in the state.