Tension gripped Darbhanga in north Bihar after two groups of people threw stones at each other following damage to a Shiva temple and desecration and theft of some idols prompting authorities to clamp prohibitory orders.

People belonging to two communities clashed in the communally sensitive Rahamganj locality as angry protestors took to the streets in Laheriasarai police station area.

DIG (provision) and spokesman for the state police Rituraj told PTI that anti-socials had damaged the upper portion of the temple at Darupatti, desecrated some idols and stole some late on Friday night triggering protests.

Five persons were taken into custody for interrogation in connection with the incident, he said.

Senior officials, including the SP, were camping at the spot and police patrolling was intensified in the town, which observed a spontaneous bandh with all shops and business establishments closed and few vehicles plying on the roads.

Additional reinforcements were being rushed from adjoining Samastipur and Madhubani districts to assist the district armed police, Rituraj said.

Close vigil was being kept on troublemakers, he said adding arrangements had been made to ensure peaceful passage of the Muharram processions in the town.

The VHP's Darbhanga unit announced that it would not allow the processions to pass through the Rahamganj main road under protest.