Tensions flared in Bihar’s Jamui district on Sunday evening when a mob attacked a group of Hanuman Chalisa devotees near a mosque in Baliadih village. The devotees were part of an event organized by the Hindu Swabhiman organization and were returning from a temple with prasad when they were targeted. Eyewitnesses reported that the mob, consisting of over 300 individuals, began pelting stones at the devotees while chanting “Allahu Akbar.” The attack left several people injured, including women and children, and multiple vehicles were vandalized.
Khushbu Pandey, one of the victims, described the incident: “We had just finished the Hanuman Chalisa recitation at Bhaleshwar Nath Temple and were returning with Prasad when suddenly, stones began raining down on us near a mosque. Vehicles were destroyed, and chants of ‘Allahu Akbar’ filled the air.”
Videos of the stone-pelting incident quickly spread on social media, drawing significant attention to the situation. In response, authorities suspended internet services in Jamui to prevent the spread of further unrest.
Mob attacks in Jamui district
The local police faced criticism for their initial handling of the situation. Superintendent of Police Madan Kumar Anand admitted, “The local police did not inform senior officials and tried to manage the problem on their own.
As a result, the situation escalated.”
Since the incident, several individuals connected to the attack have been arrested, with eight people named in the First Information Report (FIR) and an ongoing search for 50 more unidentified suspects. Many Hindu activists were reportedly stranded in the area for hours following the assault. Police presence has been increased in the village to maintain law and order and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The situation in Jamui remains tense, with authorities closely monitoring developments to prevent further violence. The local community has been urged to stay calm and cooperate fully with law enforcement officials in their investigation.
