Kolkata: Fresh stone pelting was reported in Howrah district of West Bengal, day after clashes between two groups during a Ram Navami procession in the industrial town.
#WATCH | #WestBengal | The aftermath of fresh violence in Shibpur area of #Howrah a day after arson on ‘Rama Navami’. pic.twitter.com/65NHVGlugZ
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) March 31, 2023
Visuals from the ground showed the police firing tear gas shells as the mob went on a rampage in the area, throwing stones and attacking media persons.
Fresh incidents were reported in Shibpur just hours after the road where the incident took place was opened up to traffic.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Another incident of stone-pelting occurred today in Howrah a day after arson on ‘Rama Navami’. Security personnel on the spot. pic.twitter.com/9fGl80Q36e
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2023
Reportedly, at least 36 people have been arrested following the clashes in Shibpur where several vehicles, including a few police vehicles, were set on fire and shops ransacked after alleged incendiary slogans and stone pelting during the religious procession.
Amid the tension prevailing in Howrah, chief minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and other right-wing organisations for the violence.
“Howrah’s incident is very unfortunate. Neither Hindus nor Muslims were behind the violence in Howrah. The BJP along with Bajrang Dal and other such organisations were involved in the violence with arms,” the chief minister told a Bengali news channel.
The BJP has sought an NIA probe and deployment of central forces in the affected areas through a petition in the Calcutta High Court.
“I have filed a Public Interest Litigation today in the Hon’ble High Court at Calcutta pertaining to the incidents of violence & attack on the Ram Navami processions at Howrah & Dalkhola. I have prayed for NIA probe and immediate deployment of Central Forces in such areas,” tweeted Suvendu Adhikari, leader of the opposition in the Bengal assembly.
for containing the situation and restoration of Law and Order situation as well as for saving innocent lives. The Hon’ble Acting Chief Justice has been pleased grant leave to file the PIL and directed the same to appear on Monday at top of the list.
(2/2)— Suvendu Adhikari • শুভেন্দু অধিকারী (@SuvenduWB) March 31, 2023