1. Violence erupted during a Ram Navami procession in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.
2. Stones were thrown at the procession from rooftops, leading to injuries.
3. Police had to resort to lathicharge and tear gas shells to control the situation.
Kolkata, April 18: Clashes erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during a Ram Navami procession, resulting in several injuries. The incident occurred in the Shaktipur area during a Hindu festival procession, with videos showing individuals hurling stones from rooftops.
Police Intervention and Injury Reports
Police resorted to lathi charges and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The situation was eventually brought under control, with injured individuals transported to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital in Behrampore.
Allegations and Political Response
The BJP’s Bengal unit alleged that the procession was attacked and shops vandalized. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of colluding with miscreants and using tear gas against Ram devotees.
Just like last year, when the Shree Ram Navami Processions came under attack at Dalkhola, Rishra & Serampore due to the lack of intent of Mamata Police, this year as well Mamata Police failed to protect the Ram Bhakts.
A peaceful Ram Navami Procession, which had all the due… pic.twitter.com/1MaG5pfa4n
— Suvendu Adhikari (Modi Ka Parivar) (@SuvenduWB) April 17, 2024
Berhampore MP and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the region, encountering protests from BJP workers demanding answers regarding the alleged attack on Hindus.
Political Tensions and Prior Warnings
The incident follows Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s warning of potential riots during Ram Navami in Murshidabad. Her concerns stem from the recent removal of the Deputy Inspector General of Police over perceived lapses in supervision.
Also Read: PM Modi Criticizes Congress for Neglecting Northeast, Labels Policy as ‘Loot East’
Banerjee accused the Election Commission of facilitating potential violence by changing police officers at the BJP’s behest. She reiterated these concerns, alleging orchestrated attempts to incite riots.
Historical Context
The clashes echo last year’s Ram Navami violence, indicative of the ongoing political tensions between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in Bengal. These incidents underscore the volatile nature of religious festivals amidst heightened political competition.
