Bettiah police in Bihar arrested 15 people on Thursday evening following a clash between two groups during Holi celebrations near Madhopur village under West Champaran’s Majhaulia police station area, injuring nearly a dozen.
At least 15 people have been arrested for hooliganism and creating trouble during Holi, Bettiah Superintendent of Police (SP) Upendra Nath Verma said. “Raids are being conducted to nab the others,” the SP said.
Police said the incident took place when a Holi procession was passing near a mosque after some people objected to the loud music. There was a tussle between the two sides. Soon, video clips from the area show that both sides started pelting stones at each other. HT could not verify the authenticity of the video clip.
The situation returned to normal after District Magistrates (DMs) Kundan Kumar and Bettiah reached the spot with additional force and took command on Wednesday evening. “The situation is tense but under control. A police officer said, the police team is camping in the village.
The district police denied claims by some villagers that one person was killed in the clash. Verma said the man was ill and was being taken to the hospital. He said, “He did not die because of the fight.”
