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By Aditya Vaibhav: The Nitish Kumar-led government and the BJP in Bihar were engaged in a war of words after former BJP MLA Jawahar Prasad was arrested by Rohtas district administration for his suspected involvement in the violence triggered post-Ram Navami procession in Sasaram.
The BJP accused the Mahagathbandhan (a coalition of parties comprising JD-U, RJD, Congress and other smaller parties) for intentionally implicating Prasad, a five-time local MLA.
Responding to queries pertaining to the arrest, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the arrest was done only after evidence on Jawahar Prasad’s alleged involvement emerged.
Negating political vendetta behind the arrest, Nitish Kumar said those involved in the violence have been booked irrespective of their political affiliations.
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Former deputy chief minister and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi told India Today that Prasad was arrested only to implicate the BJP in the violence that ensued after the Ram Navami procession. He slammed Nitish Kumar for making “out-of-turn provisions” to release don Anand Mohan, who was convicted in the 1994 murder of IAS officer G Krishnaiah.
Responding to Sushil Kumar Modi’s allegations, JDU MLC Khalid Anwar told India Today on Saturday that the arrests made in connection with the Sasaram violence were made only after the involvement of accused persons was categorically established.
Not mincing words, the MLC said it was the state government’s stand on zero tolerance of any breach of law and order. He accused the BJP for brewing hatred for political gains.
RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmad questioned the character of the BJP following the arrest of Jawahar Prasad. He alleged the BJP has been polarising communal sentiments in a bid to reap political dividends.
THE INCIDENT
Clashes broke out between two groups in Sasaram on March 31 after the Ram Navami procession. Stone pelting was also reported in the area. To maintain the law and order situation, the authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Sasaram.
Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level meeting over the incident. During the meeting, he directed the police to be on alert, to identify the anti-social elements and act against them to maintain law and order.
Officials were also asked to monitor those spreading rumours and take appropriate measures to curb misinformation or disinformation.
Apart from Sasaram, violence also broke out in other places in the state, including Nalanda.
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