Howrah Ram Navami Violence: Calcutta HC Orders Bengal Govt To Submit Report And CCTV Footage

The bench directed the West Bengal government to submit CCTV and video footage pertaining to the violent clashes in the state.

The Calcutta High Court on Monday ordered the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government to submit a comprehensive report on the violence that took place at Shibpur in Howrah during and after the Ram Navami procession on March 30.

Acting Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, who was presiding over a division bench, directed the state government to file a comprehensive report on the violence on April 5. The court said the report must include details of the incident and all the required steps taken to ensure peace in the affected region in adjoining Howrah city, as reported by news agency PTI.

Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya was also on the bench, which ordered the West Bengal government to submit CCTV and video footage pertaining to the incidents of violence in the state.

The court further asked the state police department to maintain peace in the affected regions. It also directed the police to ensure that local people in the locality, school-going children, and businesses are protected, reported PTI.

The police have been asked maintain to make adequate deployment in the area as per the requirement. The next hearing of the matter will be held on April 6.

Earlier, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari had moved a PIL asking for an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incidents of violence. He had alleged that bombs were thrown during the violence.

In his PIL, he had also prayed to the court for the deployment of central forces to maintain law and order and ensure security in the affected regions.

Advocate General SN Mookherjee, who is representing the state, had earlier submitted that the situation at Shibpur was brought under control. Mookherjee also informed the court about the arrests of 36 persons in connection with the Shibpur violence that occurred on March 30. 

Commenting on the breach of peace at Dalkhola in Uttar Dinajpur district during the Ram Navami procession there on March 30, the AG confirmed that the situation was under control there, reported PTI.

He further said section 144 continues to be effective in the Rishra region of Hoogle district where the violence was reported on Sunday evening. He confirmed that the internet connection was suspended and prohibitory orders were in place, reported PTI.