Legal Action Taken Against 22 Individuals Following Communal Clashes in Rautahat

Rautahat. Legal proceedings have been initiated against 22 individuals under charges of criminal mischief and arson following communal riots that erupted in Sabagadh, Ward No. 6 of Gaur Municipality, the district headquarters of Rautahat.

According to the District Police Office, Rautahat, Janamat Party's district in-charge Sheikh Jamshaid and Ward 6 Chairman Abadhbihari Sah have been released on personal guarantee, conditional upon their appearance when required.

DSP Bishnupradip Basyal, spokesperson for the District Police Office Rautahat, informed that Shubhnarayan Sah and Samir Miyan were arrested on Saturday for their alleged involvement in vandalism following the escalation of the Sabagadh incident.

DSP Basyal stated that cases have been registered against a total of 22 individuals, including the two arrested, and the police are conducting a thorough investigation. He added that the mobile phones of Jamshaid, Ward Chairman Bihari, and one other person released on personal guarantee have been seized and will be sent to Kathmandu for forensic testing. The police have indicated that if evidence proving guilt is found during the examination, action will be taken accordingly, and they will be taken into custody.

Security agencies have reported that the identification and search for other individuals involved in the incident are ongoing. The administration has urged all parties to remain restrained to maintain peace and security.

According to the police, the individuals against whom cases have been filed include Sheikh Alias, Sheikh Arman, Ritesh Kumar Ram, Ritik Kumar Yadav, Dipendra Chandrabanshi, Binod Kumar Sah, Sheikh Rahmatullah, Sheikh Mainuddin, Abdul Ruman, Dipalal Paswan, Lalan Sah, Sheikh Nirale, Sheikh Sagir, Ahmed Raja, Sarfuddin Ansari, Afroz Mohammad, Deepak Kushwaha, Abdul Samir, Bihan Sah, and Mohammad Kaif, among others.

What was the incident?

Last Thursday night, a wedding procession was passing through Sabagadh playing music.

A communal dispute began after the Muslim community allegedly assaulted the DJ group for playing music while prayers (Namaz) were being offered at the mosque.