PATNA, July 8 -- In the wake of communal clashes reported during Muharram processions across several districts of Bihar, including Bhagalpur, Samastipur, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Katihar, and Gopalganj, the state administration has stepped up security measures. Internet services in Katihar have been suspended from July 7 until further notice to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain law and order. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary said the situation was under control, but all district administrations had been directed to remain on high alert. "The step was necessary to stop rumour-mongering through social media platforms and messaging services," he said. The internet ban, imposed under Section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, will remain effective from July 7, 4:00 am to July 8, 4:00 am. As per the directive issued by the Home Department, access to all social media platforms-including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, YouTube, Skype, and Google-has been restricted. "We took this decision due to the spread of rumours via Internet-based services. YouTube channels, social media pages, and several so-called news portals are spreading baseless claims," said Purnea Range DIG Pramod Mandal, adding that the ban may be extended if required. In Katihar, violence broke out during a Muharram procession in Naya Tola locality when miscreants reportedly began pelting stones, triggering panic. Vehicles were vandalised and several houses damaged. In Muzaffarpur's Turki Khararu village, a viral video showed participants of a Tazia procession displaying Palestinian flags and weapons. The district police have launched an inquiry to verify the authenticity of the weapons. An Additional SP has been assigned to the case. In Samastipur, 5-7 individuals allegedly ransacked a Pooja Samagri shop in Marwari Bazar during the procession. Police said the attack appeared to be fueled by a personal grudge and are probing the incident further. In Gopalganj's Manjha area, clashes erupted between two Akharas over stunt performances during the procession, leaving one person injured. A similar scuffle broke out between two Akharas in Saran district's Manjhi area, injuring two. In Bhagalpur, a fight between two groups during a procession left eight people injured. In Nawada's Diri village, eight youths were injured after a flag carried during a Tazia procession came in contact with a high-tension wire. All victims are undergoing treatment at a local hospital. In Vaishali's Patepur area, a speeding bus ran over two individuals during a procession. Enraged locals set the bus on fire. Police were deployed to bring situation under control....