Tension erupted in Raja Bazaar area of West Patna on Thursday after a 20-year-old man, who was rushed to a private hospital after being assaulted on Wednesday evening, was declared dead.

Two men beat up Danish, a resident of Samanpura, at an unknown place and then dumped him near Jagdeo Path in Shastri Nagar police station area. Jagdeo Path residents found a badly injured Danish and rushed him to hospital besides informing the police. 

After he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning, residents smashed windscreens of vehicles, pelted stones, damaged public property and burnt tyres to blockade the road for almost an hour.

Police investigation says two men — Radhe Sarkar and Diwakar — led the group that assaulted Danish. The police have lodged named FIRs against them for assaulting Danish. The two are on the run. In addition, FIRs have been lodged against unknown people for the violence.

“The problem began around 11am when people started assembling near the private hospital,” Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Manu Maharaaj said. “Samanpura residents were aware that a youth of the area had been beaten up. Danish’s father is a small-time businessman. As information came in that Danish had died, the crowd began attacking passing vehicles and pedestrians. The police were informed and a team led by superintendent of police (central) Chandan Khuswaha reached the spot. By then, the mob had blocked the entire road. On seeing the police team, the mob began pelting them with stones. Some innocent bystanders were injured. The police uses mild force to disperse the mob. Normalcy was restored only by noon.” 

Residents faced many problems. “I had to wait for two hours in the heat. When the roads reopened, there was a huge traffic jam,” Rohit Kumar, a commuter, said.  

The SSP said security was tightened in Raja Bazaar area. “The attackers are residents of Mahuabagh in Rupaspur police station area. People of these two areas are often at loggerheads. Raja Bazaar being a sensitive area, a static police force will be posted there for some days. With Holi round the corner, the police are taking no chances. The police are trying to identify the unknown attackers. Instructions have been given to ensure round-the-clock patrolling in Samanpura and Mahuabagh areas and ensure peace there,” SSP Maharaaj said.