New Delhi: Fresh incidents of stone-pelting were reported in West Bengal's Howrah on Friday, just a day after violence hit the state on 'Ram Navami'. Police had to resort to baton-charge to disperse the agitating crowd and prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC were imposed in Kazipara area, news agency PTI reported.
A heavy presence of security personnel was seen in the Shibpur area of Howrah where fresh violence broke out on Friday. A total of 46 people were arrested in connection with the violence since Thursday.
"The situation was calm and peaceful until this afternoon. After that, police personnel were pelted with stones which sparked tension in the area. Some people were arrested as our officers reacted instantly," a senior IPS officer said.
In the wake of violence, several people locked themselves inside houses while shops and markets were closed. Vehicular movement was also disrupted following the incident of stone pelting, that injured at least three police personnel.
The police also used loudspeakers urging locals not to loiter in the area. "If you are found roaming around, we will take strict action as per the law," a policeman was heard saying on the loudspeaker.
A huge team of Rapid Action Force (RAF) from Kolkata Police was brought into the area on Friday. The personnel started a route march following the stone-throwing incidents.
West Bengal’s Howrah district on Thursday witnessed violence and arson after clashes broke out between two groups during Ram Navami festivities after which several vehicles were torched and shops were ransacked in the area, police said. According to inputs, 10 persons were injured in the incident while 36 people were detained.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that culprits won’t be spared and the law will take its course. She further alleged that the Ram Navami violence in Howrah was carried out by the BJP and assured that the state government will help all those whose properties have been vandalised.
“Hindus not behind violence in Howrah, it was carried out by BJP,” she said, as per news agency PTI. “We will help all those whose properties have been vandalised in Howrah violence,” the Chief Minister assured.
Earlier, CM Mamata claimed that the BJP had hired goons from other states to orchestrate communal riots.
“Why did they change the route [at the last moment] and take the unauthorized route to target and attack one community? If they believe they will attack others and receive relief through legal interventions, they must know that the people will reject them one day,” she said on Thursday, as per PTI.
According to inputs, 10 persons were injured while 36 people were detained in connection with the clashes that broke out between two groups during Ram Navami festivities. Several vehicles were torched and shops were ransacked in the area.