Mobs Clash During Hindu Festival

At least 32 people were killed in battles between political groups and drunken brawls by caste factions across the violent, impoverished eastern state of Bihar, police said Saturday.

More than 130 people were injured.

The deaths occurred Friday during the Hindu festival of Holi, when people dab color on each other and offer each other sweets. The killings occurred when mobs clashed in dozens of places throughout Bihar, which is voting to elect a new assembly.

Bihar is one of India’s poorest states and political violence is endemic. Rival groups use private armies to settle even the smallest differences.