Clashes continue in Bihar, Centre seeks explanation; Amit Shah arrives in state today

PATNA: The Centre has sought an explanation from the Bihar government regarding Ram Navami clashes. Five people were injured in the blast in Sasaram on Saturday. The blast took place at the same place where the clash happened the other day. A curfew was imposed here earlier. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar alleges that the incidents are not natural and somebody might have done something unnatural deliberately to disturb the law and order.

The security has been beefed up as Union Minister Amit Shah arrives in the state today. He will attend programs at various places including Nawada.

Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on areas in Bihar and West Bengal where clashes broke out, still continues. Police arrested 38 persons in Bengal in connection with the clashes. In Bihar, 27 persons were arrested from Nalanda and 18 from Sasaram.

Meanwhile, a BJP leader was shot dead by unidentified assailants in West Bengal. Raju Jha alias Rajesh of Purba Bardhaman was killed last night. Jha was shot while he was travelling to Kolkata on his car. He died on spot. He was accused in several cases including illegal coal trade.