Mahatma Gandhi began a fast to protest the communal violence.

Communal riots occurred in Bihar, India, from 24 October to 11 November 1946, during which Hindu mobs primarily targeted Muslim families.

Earlier, on 10 October 1946, the historically significant Noakhali riots had begun, with Muslim mobs attacking Hindu communities.

On 5 November, Mahatma Gandhi, who was visiting riot-affected areas from Calcutta, declared that he would fast unto death if the violence in Bihar did not cease within 24 hours.

Estimates of the death toll vary: The Statesman reported between 7,500 and 10,000 fatalities, the Indian National Congress put the figure at 2,000, while the Muslim League claimed that 30,000 people had been killed.