PATNA, OCT 10: Controversial Independent MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, was detained and later released by the police in curfew-bound Biharsharif town today, officials said.Yadav, along with his associates, was briefly detained by the policewhile on a visit here to take stock of the situation following the riots that broke out after the removal of a Durga idol by the Nalanda district administration and demolition of a temple under construction at a disputed site yesterday.Sources said Yadav was released after Bihar Home Secretary U.N. Panjiar and Director General of Police K.A. Jacob intervened. Yadav and his aides were then forced to leave the town under police escort.A group of people took out processions and shouted slogans at several sensitive areas today, defying shoot-at-sight orders and the curfew clamped in the town since yesterday. The miscreants fled on Army's intervention. Otherwise, the situation remained peaceful. The Army has continued its flag march throughout the town. Patna District Magistrate Amit Khare lamented the lack of resources to curb the anti-social activities.Nalanda District Magistrate Rajesh Agrawal confessed that the administration was caught unawares. He said that the administration was not aware of the organisers' activities. However, the intelligence sources contradicted his statement. They said that the district administration had been apprised of the developments long back.Officials of the DM office have come under suspicion for the riot. On October 4, the police had arrested four persons for installing Durga at the disputed place. But the DM's PA reportedly instructed the police to free them. On his part, he reportedly did not pass the information on to the DM. Agrawal has promised to look into the matter.
