Dusshera Celebrations turned into horror in Bihar's Munger when clashes broke out between police and locals after cops asked the crowd not to delay the Druga idol immersion procession of Shadipur Badi Durga in view of the first phase of Assembly polls in the state on October 28. An 18-year-old youth has reportedly been killed and several others injured in the firing. 20 policemen including SHOs of Sangarmpur, Kotwali, Kasim Bazar, Basudeopur police stations were also injured in the ensuing violence. The injured persons have been admitted to the Sadar hospital.

Reportedly, police have detained over 100 people in connection with the incident. Police claimed that they have also recovered 12 empty cartridges and three country-made pistols from the incident site

Paying heed to the administration’s order, Durga puja organizers reportedly carried out a procession close to midnight. Loud music was being played while people headed for the immersion.

 As per reports, violence erupted following an argument between the people who were participating in the ceremony involving the immersion of Durga idols and Kotwali police personnel. In a bid to calm the situation, police reportedly used tear gas shells. However, people have accused the police of firing bullets. In their defense, police alleged that some of the revelers used firearms during the clashes.

At around 11:50 am, police officials allegedly thrashed four persons, who were reportedly carrying idols. This led to a furor with people seeking action against the policemen. Sooner, the mob resorted to stone-pelting. In order to control the situation, police resorted to lathi-charge. However, since the situation could not be watered down with lathi-charge, police resorted to the firing of tear gas shells.

The report also shares a viral social media video wherein a team of cops can be seen brutally lathi-charging at the devotees.

The disturbing visuals showing the deceased 18-year-old Anurag Kumar Poddar has also surfaced on social media with caption demanding the sacking of Lipi Singh.

Usually, the idols are immersed in water bodies after three days of Vijayadashami. However, in the wake of the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections, the administration asked people to immerse the idols by 5 am on Tuesday.

The mob pelted stones and opened fire on police which led to the death of one person and injured 27 people including 20 policemen,” the HT quoted Munger’s superintendent of police Lipi Singh as saying.