Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata, June 12: More than 100 people were arrested in connection with the recent road blockade, rioting, arson, and damage to public property during protests over comments made on Prophet Mohammad by suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, the West Bengal Police said on Twitter on Sunday.
“West Bengal police has arrested more than 100 persons in specific criminal cases registered under stringent sections of law for road blockade, rioting, arson damage to public property and spreading communal hatred. Nobody who indulges in any of these crimes will be spared,” the West Bengal police tweeted.
The state police advised citizens to refrain from spreading rumours and propagating bogus news, videos, or photos that could spark communal unrest, and to work together to keep peace and harmony in the community.
Notably, violent protests have erupted in portions of the Howrah and Murshidabad districts for the past two days, with the Mamata Banerjee-led administration cutting internet connections in many regions.
Protesters allegedly battled with police in Howrah’s Panchla Bazaar, setting fire to multiple homes, stores, and vehicles. Prohibition orders have been issued by the administration until June 15. Internet access was also stopped in the district until June 13, according to officials. Several trains were also cancelled as a result of the incident.
After some demonstrators flung stones at the Beldanga police station on Friday, internet services were also blocked in several regions of the Murshidabad district.
C Sudhakar, the commissioner of Howrah city police, and Saumya Roy, the superintendent of Howrah (rural), were transferred by the government on Saturday evening.
