Patna: Hindustan Times, quoting police sources, reported on Saturday that more than 40 individuals sustained injuries in communal clashes that erupted across several parts of Bihar following the Saraswati idol immersion. The clashes resulted in the arrest of around 50 suspects in Darbhanga alone.

The clashes reportedly began on Friday between two communities in the Bahera market area of Darbhanga. Police have filed separate First Information Reports (FIRs) at Bahera, Bishanpur, Hayaghat, and Bhalpatti police stations against 170 named accused and 400 unidentified individuals.

Senior SP Jagunath Jala Reddy stated, "At least 53 named accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Raids are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects."

Darbhanga District Magistrate Rajeev Raushan informed reporters, "A clash erupted between two communities during idol immersion in the Bahera police station area. Officials intervened and brought the situation under control."

Similar clashes were reported in Bhagalpur, Saharsa, Sitamarhi, Sheikhpura, Siwan, and Jamui during the Saraswati puja idol immersion processions, according to police sources.

In Bhagalpur, clashes broke out between two groups after stones were allegedly hurled at a procession heading to immerse the Goddess Saraswati idol in the Lodipur area on Friday, police reported.

Gunshots were reportedly fired during the clashes, resulting in injuries to approximately 15 individuals participating in the procession. The situation was pacified by a police contingent led by Bhagalpur City Superintendent of Police (SP) Raj.

Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) Dhananjay Kumar stated, "CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify the culprits. We urge the public not to fall prey to any rumors circulated via social media."

Meanwhile, in Saharasa, a clash between two groups in the Nariyar Lataha Tola locality resulted in four injuries, while six individuals were injured in a similar clash in Sheikhpura. Sheikhpura SP Baliram Kumar Choudhary reported an attempted mobile phone outlet robbery by some miscreants.