In a shocking incident from Bihar, a state minister had to run for his life from an angry mob. The incident occurred at the Tara Chandi temple in Rohtas district of Sasaram, where state Culture Minister Vinay Bihari was chief guest at a programme.
The poor sound quality and sitting arrangements had infuriated the gathering which started pelting stones at the dais forcing the minister and officials to run for cover.
The official vehicle of the minister was also torched by the crowd which went berserk after the police tried to stop it from climbing on the stage last night, when noted Bhojpuri singer Pawan Singh was performing.
Bihari has demanded a high level inquiry and held the local administration responsible for the incident.
Bihari said, “To maintain law and order, a little force is required. Probably this incident would not have happened if force was not used. But one cannot rule out conspiracy behind this incident.”
Calling the incident “pre-planned” Superintendent of Police of Rohtas Chandan Kumar Kushwaha today said six persons have been arrested and raids are being conducted to nab others involved in it. An FIR has also been lodged in this connection against six named and 500 unidentified people.
“The minister was hit with a stone in the chin. We shielded him and managed to pull him out from the crowd before anything untoward could happen. His car was parked near the stage and somebody poured petrol on it and set it on fire before the driver could take it out,” the SP said.
Police officers said they had to try very hard to save the minister, who was in the danger of being lynched by the crowd.
“We have launched investigation in the attack over the minister as the incident seems to have been preplanned. One of the nabbed persons was carrying petrol in a bottle. Why would anybody bring petrol to a cultural function,” asked the SP.
Though local MLA Jawahar Prasad, District Magistrate Radha Kishore Jha, SP and several other officials were present with their security personnel, they could not check the crowd.
It soon turned into free for all. Bricks, stones, chairs, bamboo pieces, slippers and whatever else came into the hand of the mob were thrown towards the minister, officials and the singer.
–PTI