Almost all the villagers who fled the strife-torn Azizpur village following a violent attack on Sunday by members of the majority community returned to their homes on Tuesday amid heavy security deployment.
“Yes, the villagers who had fled have returned. The situation is under control and the administration is taking all measures to ensure peace,” said R.K. Mishra, Muzaffarpur Superintendent of Police.
The villagers who returned to their half burnt homes on Tuesday were seen taking stock of the damage amid heaps of burnt boxes and trunks.
Azizpur is a village of about 70 families, mostly belonging to the minority communities. A mob from the neighbouring Bahilwara Mali Tola had unleashed violence after the body of a youth from their village was found in an agricultural field in Azizpur
Demand for judicial probe
The Opposition BJP has blamed the State’s JD(U) government and demanded a judicial probe into the incident. Five policemen have been suspended for negligence.
“Nothing is left, everything has either been burnt or looted… even my half-thatched-half-concrete house has been gutted,” Mohd Nasirrudin told The Hindu over phone.
The administration has distributed cheques and some cash for reconstructing homes and buying kitchen utensils. A police check point has come up at the village and there is heavy deployment of security personnel to restore the confidence of the frightened villagers. “I’ve suspended five officials following the directive of the Additional Director General of Police Gupteshwar Pandey,” said the Muzaffarpur SP.
Meanwhile, leaders from various political parties continued to visit the village.
Senior State BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, who visited on Tuesday, blamed the State for the incident. The BJP also demanded a judicial probe. Mr Modi said the government must sanction Rs. 10 lakh as compensation.
Some RJD and LJP leaders too visited the village on Tuesday. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav is also expected to pay a visit soon.
