Bengal's Murshidabad tense after Ram Navami clashes; security beefed up

The situation turned volatile after an altercation during a Ram Navami procession escalated into violence, with two groups pelting stones at each other and damaging property in the area.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points

Clashes erupted during Ram Navami processions, leading to stone-pelting and property damage.
The violence started after an altercation during a procession escalated between two groups.
Security has been tightened in Jangipur and Raghunathganj to control the situation and maintain peace.
Political leaders have reacted to the violence, with accusations of pre-planning and calls for strict action.
Authorities have appealed for calm and are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.

Tension gripped parts of Murshidabad district in poll-bound West Bengal on Friday after clashes broke out during Ram Navami processions, with incidents of stone-pelting, vandalism and arson reported from multiple locations, the police said.

Security was tightened in the affected Jangipur and Raghunathganj areas, the police said. No arrests were made in this regard till the filing of this report.

The situation turned volatile after an altercation during a procession escalated into violence, with two groups pelting stones at each other and damaging property in the area, a senior police officer said.

The officer said that as part of the celebration, people in a large procession were heading towards Mackenzie Park in Raghunathganj when trouble began. In the Sisatala locality, an argument over music being played during a procession led to a clash between participants and locals.

Tension flared again near the Phultala Crossing when the procession reached the area, following incidents of stone-pelting. Shops were vandalised and set on fire, further aggravating the situation.

Security forces were deployed in large numbers to bring the situation under control, and have since been conducting route marches and maintaining vigil in the affected areas, the officer said.

"The situation is now under control. Adequate forces have been deployed, and patrolling is ongoing to ensure peace and normalcy. We are closely monitoring the situation and will take strict action against those involved in the violence," the officer told PTI.

Meanwhile, political reactions also poured in, with BJP leader Dhananjay Ghosh alleging that the violence was "pre-planned" and demanding strict action, while Jangipur Municipality chairman Mofizul Islam urged the administration to act against those responsible and maintain peace.

The administration appealed to residents to remain calm as security has been tightened across the district, officials said.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held on April 23 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.

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