Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata, March 31: In West Bengal’s Howrah, where there were racial skirmishes on Thursday during a Ram Navami parade, further violence has been reported. Despite a significant police presence, including riot control officers, in the neighbourhood, the event was reported.
When the crowd rampaged through the area, hurling stones and even accosting media personnel, footage from the ground showed the police firing tear gas rounds.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Situation turns violent in Shibpur area of Howrah. Fresh violence broke out here today, a day after arson on 'Ram Navami'. pic.twitter.com/4QyV1VSNuJ
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2023
Only hours after the route where the event occurred was opened to traffic, further incidences were recorded in Shibpur.
Following the skirmishes in Shibpur, where many cars, including a few police vehicles, were set on fire and stores looted as a result of suspected incendiary chants and stone-throwing during the religious procession, at least 36 individuals have been detained.
The march used an unauthorised path, according to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, “to specifically target and harm one community.”
She said that the BJP had hired thugs from outside the region to plan racial unrest. “While their parade has not been stopped, they do not have the right to march while brandishing swords and bulldozers. How could they have the gall to act in this manner in Howrah? “She said.
The Trinamool Congress has responded by claiming that the BJP is lying.
“TMC is lying because it was not the wrong route. There was permission till Howrah ground and this was the only route to go there. Now such days have come in India that you can take out Ram Navami procession in some areas and can’t go to other areas,” West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar told news agency ANI.
