Fresh Unrest in Howrah Leads to Imposition of Section 144 CrPC

On Thursday, clashes broke out between two groups during a ‘Ram Navami’ procession in Kajipara, Howrah district, resulting in violence and arson. On Friday, fresh incidents of stone pelting occurred in the same area, leading to an increase in riot police deployment and prohibitory orders being imposed. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that right-wing organizations such as BJP and Bajrang Dal were involved in the violence with arms. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the West Bengal Governor to enquire about the security situation in the town. The Governor asked the state government to ensure foolproof arrangements to maintain law and order effectively and take action against miscreants. The police used batons to disperse a group of people who had gathered there, and at least three policemen were injured in the brick batting. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC were imposed in Kazipara area, and 45 people were arrested in connection with the violence since Thursday. A huge team of Rapid Action Force (RAF) from Kolkata Police was brought into the area on Friday afternoon. The state government will help all whose properties were vandalized in the clashes. Violence broke out on Thursday evening between two groups when a Ram Navami procession was taken out in the twin city of Howrah. Several vehicles, including some belonging to the police, were torched, and shops and auto-rickshaws ransacked during the violence. The Chief Minister warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in the clash, and 31 people have been arrested in connection with Thursday’s violence in Howarh.