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NDTV
6 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
5 Injured After Mob Clashes With Cops Near Kolkata, BJP Seeks Central Forces
Kolkata: Tension simmered in the Rabindranagar area near Kolkata on Wednesday as a violent clash between two groups spiralled into widespread unrest, leaving several police personnel injured and multiple vehicles vandalised, prompting heavy reinforcements and political fallout. Police said five people were injured in the clash while four were arrested. The opposition BJP demanded deployment of central forces in the trouble-torn area, while the ruling TMC accused the saffron camp of politicising a local issue. The violence, which erupted over the setting up of a shop in Maheshtala under Rabindranagar Police Station in South 24 Parganas district, quickly escalated, turning the area into a virtual battlefield. "Bricks were hurled from rooftops, tyres were set ablaze on the roads, and miscreants torched a motorbike in front of the police station. Several police vehicles were damaged, and at least one police personnel was left bleeding after being hit by a brick," a police officer told reporters. Eyewitnesses said chaos unfolded right outside the police station as protesters threw stones, leaving officers, including a woman constable, injured. Reinforcements from Kolkata and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were rushed to the scene, and tear gas shells were fired to disperse the mob. The unrest, which reportedly began on Tuesday over a dispute involving a shop, took a dangerous turn on Wednesday. Several police vehicles were ransacked, windows shattered, and the police appeared momentarily overwhelmed by the mob fury. As the situation deteriorated, authorities imposed preventive measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and launched a crackdown to nab the rioters. The Section empowers a District Magistrate or designated Executive Magistrate to issue urgent preventive orders to avert public nuisance or threats to public peace and safety. "Raids are presently underway, and additional personnel remain deployed. Several arrests were made," another police officer said. The West Bengal police later said normalcy had been restored, though the area continued to remain tense. The incident sparked a strong political backlash with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari staging a protest outside the West Bengal Police headquarters in Alipore, demanding the immediate deployment of central forces in the troubled area. "The Hindu community in Rabindranagar has been subjected to looting, arson, and violence for hours while the police watched silently. Several police vehicles were set on fire, yet there was no effective intervention," Adhikari alleged. He also claimed that DGP Rajiv Kumar refused to meet him. "Despite such grave attacks on police, the top brass seems indifferent. I will move Calcutta High Court tomorrow seeking urgent intervention and central forces, as ordered earlier during communal tension in Murshidabad," the BJP leader said. Adhikari was accompanied by several BJP MLAs, including the party's chief whip Shankar Ghosh, and a group of sadhus. "Monks have received desperate calls from residents in the area seeking protection. This is a complete breakdown of governance," he said. Echoing Adhikari's demands, BJP state president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar alleged that the administration had failed to take preventive action. "Despite knowing the culprits, the police acted against the victims instead of the aggressors," he alleged, accusing the state government of communal appeasement. Both leaders also urged Governor C V Ananda Bose to intervene, alleging the incident reflected systemic administrative failure. "The governor must step in to ensure constitutional order is upheld and justice is delivered to the affected Hindu community," Majumdar said, adding that places of worship in the area must be restored. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, rejected the allegations, saying the opposition was attempting to politicise a "local issue". "All necessary steps have been taken to control the situation. The police acted swiftly and with firmness. The BJP is trying to give a communal colour to what was essentially a dispute over setting up a shop," said TMC spokesperson and state general secretary Kunal Ghosh. Condemning the violence, Kolkata Mayor and senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim said, "We wish a speedy recovery to the injured police personnel. At the same time, we strongly condemn the BJP's attempt to communalise and politicise a sensitive issue." He alleged that the BJP's tactics were aimed at "disturbing the peace and harmony of Bengal" and urged all sides to act with restraint. The police continue to maintain a heavy presence in the area as investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the miscreants involved in the violence.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mob targets Police, curfew imposed on Kolkata outskirts
Maheshtala, near Kolkata, saw violence as a mob attacked police. Several officers were injured, and vehicles were damaged. A Shiva temple in Ward No. 7 was allegedly vandalised, sparking the unrest. Residents had complained about encroachment before. Additional forces restored order, and prohibitory orders are in place. MLA Abdul Khalek Mollah said the situation is now controlled. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Violence broke out in Maheshtala, South 24 Parganas , near Kolkata, on Tuesday, as a large mob pelted stones at police personnel. Several officers, including a female constable, sustained injuries. Police vehicles, including motorbikes, were vandalised, and one motorbike was set ablaze. The unrest continued for several hours until additional forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), were deployed to restore order. Prohibitory orders under BNS 163 (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC) were imposed to prevent further violence escalated after a Shiva temple in Ward No. 7 was allegedly vandalised by miscreants who had encroached upon temple land. Local residents had previously raised concerns about the encroachment, but no action was taken. The situation led to clashes between two groups, resulting in injuries to several police MLA Abdul Khalek Mollah stated that the situation was now under control but acknowledged that the initial response was inadequate due to a shortage of police personnel.
News18
12 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Temple Vandalism Sparks Tension In Bengal's Maheshtala, BJP Slams Mamata Over 'Appeasement'
Last Updated: In the violence that followed, stones were pelted, and one police officer is said to have sustained injuries Fresh communal tension broke out in Maheshtala, South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, on Tuesday after a reported incident of temple vandalism led to clashes between two communities. The violence took place near the Rabindranagar Police Station in the Budge Budge area. According to sources, the clash began after a person was stopped from setting up a shop near a local Hindu temple. This reportedly led to a group allegedly vandalising the temple, triggering outrage among local residents. In the violence that followed, stones were pelted, and one police officer is said to have sustained injuries. To control the situation, police resorted to lathicharge and fired tear gas shells. A Rapid Action Force (RAF) team was also deployed to restore peace in the area. Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar reacted strongly to the incident, blaming the state government for 'Muslim appeasement". In a detailed post on social media platform X, Majumdar accused the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government of ignoring repeated attacks on Bengali Hindus in Muslim-majority areas of the state. The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Rabindranagar Police Station in Maheshtala, which falls under the infamous @DiamondHrbrPD. To be blunt—this is yet another burning example of the Bhaipo's so-called 'Diamond Model'.If you want to understand the reality Bengali… — Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) June 11, 2025 He alleged that a Shiva temple was vandalised right in front of a police station and that local Hindus, including a police officer, were attacked. 'The most outrageous part? Despite knowing exactly who was responsible—a certain 'peace-loving" community—the police didn't take action against them," Majumdar wrote. 'Instead, they charged at the Hindus." The senior BJP leader further accused the state of following a pattern of inaction, referring to similar incidents in Malda and Murshidabad. 'The same pattern was seen in Malda and Murshidabad. Even there, the police stood in silence while horrific violence was unleashed on Hindus. What happened today in Rabindranagar is simply another side of the same coin." 'All of this happened in front of the police, yet they did nothing. They were assaulted, but didn't dare to strike back. The reason is plain—@MamataOfficial's shameless policy of Muslim appeasement, the consequences of which are now deeply embedded even in the state's OBC list," Majumdar stated.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Delhi Police tightens security on Eid; public sacrifice also banned
The Delhi Police has stepped up security arrangements across the national capital to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful celebration of Eid ul-Azha on Saturday, an official said. To maintain law and order during festivities, elaborate deployments have been made in sensitive areas, with the Rapid Action Force (RAF), paramilitary forces, and local police teams mobilised. Multiple check posts have been set up across Delhi, and electronic surveillance has been intensified to monitor suspicious activity. A senior police officer said, "Strict vigilance is being maintained across the city. We are closely monitoring social media for any misinformation or attempts to incite communal tension. Action will be taken against violators as per law." The officer added that open-air animal sacrifices, prayers in public spaces without permission, and the sacrifice of prohibited animals are not allowed during the festival. "Foot patrolling, drone surveillance in sensitive zones, and enhanced night vigilance are part of our comprehensive safety strategy," the officer added. The Delhi Traffic Police is also ensuring that there is a smooth flow of traffic and people do not violate norms during celebrations. To foster communal harmony and coordination, police officials have conducted a series of Aman Committee meetings with local religious leaders and community members in various districts. In East Delhi, Station House Officer (SHO) Pandav Nagar visited Kotla Idgah and held discussions with local Imams to ensure coordinated crowd management and security arrangements. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania confirmed that such meetings are being held across the city to streamline preparations. Another senior officer noted, "Delhi Police and community leaders are working hand-in-hand to ensure that the Eid festivities are celebrated in a secure and harmonious environment. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Delhi Police ramps up security on Eid; social media under watch, public sacrifice banned
The Delhi Police has stepped up security arrangements across the national capital to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful celebration of Eid ul-Azha on Saturday (June 7, 2025), an official said. To maintain law and order during festivities, elaborate deployments have been made in sensitive areas, with the Rapid Action Force (RAF), paramilitary forces, and local police teams mobilised. Multiple check posts have been set up across Delhi, and electronic surveillance has been intensified to monitor suspicious activity. VIDEO | Delhi: Hundreds of people offer namaz at the iconic Jama Masjid on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.#EidulAdha2025#EidUlAdha (Full video available on PTI Videos - — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 7, 2025 A senior police officer said, "Strict vigilance is being maintained across the city. We are closely monitoring social media for any misinformation or attempts to incite communal tension. Action will be taken against violators as per law." The officer added that open-air animal sacrifices, prayers in public spaces without permission, and the sacrifice of prohibited animals are not allowed during the festival. "Foot patrolling, drone surveillance in sensitive zones, and enhanced night vigilance are part of our comprehensive safety strategy," the officer added. The Delhi Traffic Police is also ensuring that there is a smooth flow of traffic and people do not violate norms during celebrations. To foster communal harmony and coordination, police officials have conducted a series of Aman Committee meetings with local religious leaders and community members in various districts. In East Delhi, Station House Officer (SHO) Pandav Nagar visited Kotla Idgah and held discussions with local Imams to ensure coordinated crowd management and security arrangements. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania confirmed that such meetings are being held across the city to streamline preparations. Another senior officer noted, "Delhi Police and community leaders are working hand-in-hand to ensure that the Eid festivities are celebrated in a secure and harmonious environment."
