The Bihar government on Monday ordered the suspension of transmission of messages through various social networking sites and instant messaging service in Saran district following the arson and violence on Sunday when a 500-strong mob, angry over killing of a youth in a village, went on a rampage and torched several houses and vehicles.
“…all internet service providers (lSPs) are directed that any message to or from any person or class of persons relating to any subject or any pictorial content through the social networking sites or application shall not be transmitted in Saran district from February 6 (13:00 hours) to February 8,” said an order issued by state home department on Monday.
The district administration has also imposed prohibitory orders in Manjhi block, where the village is located, officials said.
The area had been tense since February 2, when a youth, identified as Amitesh Kumar Singh, was beaten to death allegedly by locals in Mubarakpur village after an altercation with a poultry firm owner. Two others, Rahul Kumar Singh (22) and Alok Kumar Singh Vicky (25), were critically injured.
The poultry firm is owned by one Vijay Yadav, husband of mukhiya (panchayat head) Aarti Devi.
On Sunday, an outfit calling itself Karni Sena had launched a campaign on social media after a purported video clip of the alleged incident went viral, showing some people mercilessly beating up three youths in the premises of the poultry firm.
According to police, more than 500 motorcycle-borne youths reached the village on Sunday evening and started hooliganism and ransacked about 30 huts. “They couldn’t identify the house of Yadav and his poultry farm, but set on fire several huts and set ablaze three vehicles, including a truck and a tractor. Most of the residents had left the village when they came,” an official said, pleading not to be identified.
“The unidentified miscreants set on fire four houses after bolting them outside. At least 20 female members along with their children got trapped. The police immediately rushed and set them free,” said the official, who was deputed at the village.
Superintendent of police (SP) Dr Gaurav Mangla, who rushed to the village with reinforcements after informed of the arson, said police have lodged three separate FIRs (first information report) in connection with murder, arson and spreading of rumours. “In all, seven persons have been arrested so far, including three the youth’s killing, three others for violence on Sunday and one involved in spreading rumors through social media. Timely action by police and officials saved many lives,” he said.
The SP said the situation is under control, but conceded that the rumours spread on social media had led to tension between two castes.
Dev Anand, the station house officer (SHO) of Manjhi police station, which has jurisdiction over the village, has been suspended for failure to control the rampaging mob on Sunday, the SP said.
Police said they would move the court to get property attachment warrant against poultry owner Vijay Yadav, who has gone absconding.
Meanwhile, additional director general (ADG) of police (operations) S M Khopde visited the village on Monday and reviewed the situation.
