Kolkata: Clashes broke out during Ram Navami procession in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, in which several people were injured. The incident took place in Shaktipur area when a group was leading a Ram Navami procession. To disperse the crowd, the police had to resort to lathicharge and fire tear gas shells. Section 144 has been imposed in the area. In the video, people are seen pelting stones at the procession from their rooftops. Police said the situation is under control and additional forces have been sent to the area.
Baharampur MP and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the area on Wednesday. He said that I had gone to Malda to see the people injured in the clash. But there BJP workers protested in the hospital and said that Hindus are being attacked. Ranjan said that he is demanding answers from me. He said those protesting should ask those who need to answer.
Congress leader Chaudhary said that the riots are being instigated as part of a well-planned conspiracy and BJP’s opposition proves this. He said that he has spoken to the Election Commission. Additional forces have been sent to Shaktipur and SP is present at the spot. The incident comes days after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned of riots breaking out on Ram Navami in Murshidabad. His comments come after the Election Commission removed the Murshidabad Deputy Inspector General of Police over violence in the district and the officer’s alleged lack of supervision.
Mamata Banerjee had said on Monday that even today, the DIG of Murshidabad was changed only on the instructions of BJP. Now, if riots happen in Murshidabad and Malda, the responsibility will be on the Election Commission. BJP wanted to change police officers to instigate riots and violence. If even a single riot occurs, ECI will be responsible. Earlier on Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee had alleged that a conspiracy was being hatched to incite riots in the state on the occasion of Ram Navami. Mamta alleged in an election rally that they will join the riots today. There is a possibility of rioting and they will win the election by rioting and looting votes. Last year, Ram Navami celebrations in Bengal also witnessed violence, leading to a large-scale clash between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.
