Gopalganj Temple Clash: Shopkeepers Attack Pilgrims in Bihar

Navratri fervor at Gopalganj's Thave Mandir in Bihar was marred by a violent clash on Saturday, where Siwan devotees were beaten by prasad sellers. The district administration responded decisively, vowing strict punishment for the culprits.

The temple, a major pilgrimage site, sees massive crowds during the nine-day festival. Trouble brewed when vendors pressured worshippers into buying offerings. A family from Siwan's Maharajganj refused, triggering a barrage of insults and blows.

Among the hurt were several pilgrims, notably a female devotee and Dr. Nitish Kumar. Medical aid was promptly provided at local health facilities. Dr. Kumar detailed the ordeal: forced prasad sales led to aggression from the shopkeepers.

Alerted promptly, DM Pavan Kumar Sinha instructed officials to probe the incident thoroughly. Eight individuals have been pinpointed via surveillance videos, with ongoing operations to apprehend them. Offending shops face eviction from the temple complex.

Sinha emphasized zero tolerance for such disruptions to faith and visitor safety. Enhanced protocols are being rolled out to safeguard devotees, restoring peace to the sacred celebrations.