Violence erupted in Bihar’s Darbhanga district during Holi when a neighborhood color-playing dispute in Lorika village exploded into caste-based clashes and attacks on law enforcement. Eight individuals have been detained, a police van was vandalized, and multiple injuries reported, prompting a multi-station police lockdown.
Eyewitnesses recount how Amarjeet Sahni from Sahni Tola called Anil Chaupal over for Holi fun at his residence. The gathering soured rapidly with accusations of derogatory caste remarks, culminating in an assault with a metal container. Residents from adjacent Chaupal Tola mobilized, intensifying the conflict into widespread stone-throwing.
Emergency services were summoned via Dial 112, but the arriving team met fierce resistance. Stones rained down, smashing the vehicle’s windows and wounding a woman constable. Chaos gripped the Bharulli Panchayat area until additional forces from neighboring stations converged.
SDPO Shubhendra Kumar Suman of Kamtaul led the response, alongside local BDO Vikram Bhaskar. Eight arrests mark the initial crackdown, but several accused remain at large, prompting house-to-house searches. ‘We are investigating all angles and will not tolerate such lawlessness,’ the SDPO stated firmly.
With 12-plus injuries and lingering tensions between the tolas, police have pitched tents for an indefinite vigil. This Holi mishap highlights deep-seated caste frictions, calling for community dialogue to prevent future flare-ups in Darbhanga’s sensitive villages.