SHO injured as clash erupts during Chehlum procession in Patna

Patna: A Station House Officer (SHO) was injured after a dispute during a Chehlum procession triggered tension in Patna's Khajekalan locality, police said on Thursday. The incident occurred on Wednesday night when police intervened to stop a Chehlum procession allegedly being carried out without the mandatory permission from the district administration. According to officials, a police team reached the spot after receiving information that the organisers had not obtained prior approval for the procession. A police team reached the spot and attempted to stop the procession while persuading participants to comply with the regulations. Eyewitnesses said some participants opposed the police action, and amid the ensuing commotion, a dispute broke out between two groups. The verbal altercation soon escalated into pushing and scuffling, creating tension in the area. As police personnel attempted to pacify both groups and restore order, Khajekalan SHO Vidyanand Verma sustained a head injury. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he received first aid before being discharged. Doctors said his condition is stable and he is out of danger. Speaking about the incident, SHO Vidyanand Verma said the police were trying to prevent the dispute from escalating and maintain law and order when he was injured during the scuffle. As the situation worsened, additional police personnel were deployed in the area. Police used mild force to disperse the crowd, following which normalcy was restored. Security has since been intensified, with additional personnel deployed at key intersections and other sensitive locations to prevent any further untoward incidents or the spread of rumours. Police officials reiterated that prior permission from the administration is mandatory for organising any religious procession or public event. They said legal action may be initiated in cases where processions are taken out without the required approval. A detailed investigation into the incident has been launched. Police are examining CCTV footage, mobile phone videos and other evidence to identify those allegedly involved in creating the disturbance, obstructing public servants from performing their duties and disrupting law and order. Appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. 

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