Police, villagers clash over idol installation

BAHRAICH: The villagers and the police had scuffles thrice over installation of the idol of Goddess Durga in a temple under construction at Dodhi village since Saturday night. Several persons, including two policemen were injured. As many as 46 persons have been arrested. A case had been registered against the temple math.
The villagers started 'puja' after installing an idol in the temple on Saturday night.A few persons of the area complained that it is a new custom and approached Nawabganj police. The police reached the spot and tried to stop the puja which led to clashes. Several villagers locked their houses and left the place. The crowd started throwing stones on the cops when they were taking away the idols. The police resorted to lathi-charged in which several villagers, including women and policemen were injured. The force from four police stations and PAC had been deployed. The administrative officers of Bahraich and Shravasti are camping in the village.
Dodhi village is located on the border of Bahraich and Shravasti districts. The SP, Bahraich, said that the situation is under control. A case had been registered against 46 persons under Sections 147, 148, 149, 323, 307 and Criminal Amendment Act. All of them had been arrested, he added.