Intensified Police Action in Laheriasarai Police Station Area Over Stone-Pelting During July 23 Protest: 18 Youths Arrested, 15 Minors Sent to Juvenile Home, Search for Other Stone-Pelters Intensified
Darbhanga: The district administration has begun cracking down heavily on the violent clash and stone-pelting incident that occurred during a protest at Lohia Chowk under the Laheriasarai police station area of Bihar's Darbhanga district on July 23. Taking strict action over this serious incident, the police have arrested 18 rioting youths so far, while 15 minors found involved in the matter have been sent to a juvenile correction home in accordance with the law. This strict action by the administration has created panic among anti-social elements in the city, while the police are conducting relentless raids based on video footage and photographs to nab other absconding stone-pelters.
Background of the Incident: How the Violence Erupted
According to received information, during a protest over various issues on July 23, a batch of protesters emerged from Karpuri Chowk. This procession passed through Laheriasarai Tower, reached near the collectorate, and then proceeded back towards Lohia Chowk via Laheriasarai Tower.
Sudden Stone-Pelting Began: As soon as this protesting group reached near Lohia Chowk in the Laheriasarai police station area, some anti-social elements within the crowd suddenly started pelting stones at the police force.
Police Use of Force: This sudden attack created a brief atmosphere of chaos. Gauging the gravity of the situation, the police exercised restraint before using mild force to disperse the rioters and bring the situation under control.
Named FIR and Comprehensive Legal Action
Following this violent incident, the district administration and local police became fully alert. The police immediately registered a case under relevant sections on charges of attacking security forces and disturbing law and order.
Named and Unknown Cases Against Dozens: An First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in this matter against 52 named individuals—including Darbhanga Deputy Mayor Nazia Hasan—and approximately 500 unknown rioters.
Identification Through Photographs and Video Footage: The police are meticulously examining the video footage and CCTV recordings captured during the uprising. Photographs of suspects identified in the stone-pelting have also been made public to ensure their arrest.
Arrests and Minors Sent to Juvenile Home
As a result of the rapid raids conducted by the administration, the police have achieved their initial major successes.
18 Youths Arrested: The police have apprehended a total of 18 youths so far, and the procedures to send them into judicial custody have been completed.
Action on 15 Minors: Several minor boys were also found involved in this entire violence and stone-pelting. Complying with juvenile laws, the police identified 15 such minors and sent them to a juvenile correction home under further legal processes.
Administration's Appeal and Security Arrangements in the Area
Ever since the incident, police forces and magistrates have been deployed in sensitive areas of Laheriasarai and its surroundings to deal with any potential recurrence of an untoward situation.
Administrative Warning: The district administration has made it clear that no individual taking the law into their hands will be spared. The administration has also appealed to the general citizens to share any concrete information or photographs related to the rioters with the police so that the culprits can be brought to justice at the earliest.
This incident of stone-pelting in the Laheriasarai police station area gives a clear message that the government and police are operating on a zero-tolerance policy against those who obstruct administrative duties and disrupt public peace. With the action of 18 arrests and sending 15 minors to a juvenile correction home, it is certain that the police will soon track down the remaining absconding accused as well.
