The Saran district administration imposed section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) from Sunday to prevent unlawful gatherings and rallies at Manjhi block of the city, police officials said.
According to the Sadar SDO (Chhapra) Arun Kumar Singh the section 144 to ensure peace in the locality and avoid disruptions in public order after a mob set houses on fire and torched three heavy vehicles after a youth was allegedly beaten to death while two were critically injured at Sidharia Tola locality of Mubarakpur village on February 2.
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On Sunday, a group of Karni sena launched an agitation on social media after video of the alleged incident went viral on social media where some people mercilessly beat up the three youths in the premises of poultry farm, police said.
Police said more than 500 youths on their motorcycle reached Sidharia Tola and allegedly ransacked about 30 huts on Sunday evening.
тАЬThe unidentified miscreants set on fire at least four houses where 20 women with their children were trapped, timely intervention by police saved them,тАЭ said an official on condition of anonymity.
Sadar SDO admitted that tension gripped in the village after the incident.
Talking to HT, Saran SP Dr Gaurav Mangla said police have lodged three separate FIRs in connection with murder, arson and spreading rumours. A total six persons have been arrested so far.
тАЬThe situation is now fully under control. Rumours spread on social media triggered tension. We have made adequate security arrangements to ensure peace,тАЭ said Mangla adding that police are identifying those involved in torching and ransacking houses and damaging property.
The station house officer (SHO) of Manjhi police station has been suspended pending inquiry.
An SIT has been constituted to probe the entire incident.