Nalanda: Firing broke out during a Holi Milan ceremony in Nalanda district on the eve of the festival, after a dispute over entry spiralled into violence. Nearly 100 rounds were reportedly fired during a live performance by Bhojpuri singer Roshan Rohi at a private water park in Nakatpura village under Biharsharif. Three people, including a journalist and a teenager, were injured.
The event, which required a Rs 299 ticket for entry, was attended by local residents and political figures. According to officials, tensions flared when some villagers were allegedly denied entry for not having tickets. Witnesses said stone-pelting began shortly afterwards, targeting the venue and prompting panic among those inside.
Police said the situation escalated rapidly as hundreds of villagers reportedly gathered outside and forced their way towards the premises. Security personnel attached to RJD leader Yasir Imam, who was the chief guest at the function, allegedly opened fire in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Villagers are said to have retaliated, leading to an exchange of gunfire that sent shockwaves through the area.
A journalist covering the event was seriously assaulted amid the chaos. A teenage boy sustained a bullet injury and was taken to Sadar Hospital in Bihar Sharif before being referred to a higher medical centre in Patna for advanced treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed the condition of the injured.
Heavy police deployment followed the incident. Officers recovered empty cartridges and four sophisticated firearms from the scene. Around a dozen people have been detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
“We received information about the firing in Nakatpura under Bihar police station limits. Police reached the spot and have taken about a dozen people into custody. They are being questioned and further action is underway,” said Nurul Haq, Sadar DSP, Nalanda.
