Policemen at a peace meeting organised at Chureshar village in Rohtas on Sunday. Picture by Sanjay Choudhary

Patna, Oct. 30: Violent clashes broke out between two communities late last night after one of them objected to dance numbers being performed during idol immersion while passing through a place of worship in Rohtas district.

At least two houses and as many motorcycles were set afire at Chureshar village under Amjhore police station of the district. The attackers damaged several houses and mobile towers of two private telecommunication companies.

About 12 people from both sides were injured in the clashes. Rohtas district administration had clamped prohibitory order at the village. It was, however, lifted this evening following peace meetings.

The trouble broke out around 7.45pm yesterday when a group of people objected to dance numbers being performed during idol immersion while passing through a place of worship. This led to attack on the people belonging to a particular community.

Two of the seriously injured, who got both their hands fractured, have been admitted to a private nursing home at Dehri-on-Sone while others were released after first aid. The frenzied mob went on a rampage damaging valuables of other residents.

Rohtas superintendent of police Manu Maharaj rushed to the spot and tried to persuade the people. He asked the station house officer of adjoining police station to reach the spot with reinforcements. Soon district magistrate (in-charge) Bhawani Prasad Singh, along with other administrative officials, arrived at the crime scene.

The entire village turned into a fortress. Patna division commissioner K.P. Ramaiah and inspector general (Pana zone) Bhrigu Srinivasan also rushed to the village.

The idol immersion took place at night under tight security arrangements.