In the aftermath of communal clashes during a Ram Navami procession in Raniganj, West Bengal Police on Thursday, 29 March, barred BJP leader and Asansol MP Babul Supriyo from entering affected areas in the town. However, he allegedly assaulted an IPS officer and violated Section 144 clamped in the tense region – leading to an FIR being lodged against him at the North Asansol police station.
Internet services were suspended and prohibitory orders were imposed following clashes between two groups on Sunday and Monday over a celebratory rally.
Supriyo tried to enter the Railpar area in Paschim Bardhaman district, where police stopped his car, citing security reasons.
According to PTI, a group of people shouted slogans against the minister and demanded that he immediately leave the area.
As a public representative I have every right to visit my constituency, especially when people are in trouble. It is my duty. But the police is saying I won’t be allowed to go as Section 144 is imposed in the area. Being a minister, I cannot violate rules.Babul Supriyo
Supriyo claimed that only the deployment of central forces can bring back peace in the area as locals don not have faith in the police.
He said that he would inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the incident.
News channels showed him engaged in a verbal duel with police personnel, who had surrounded his vehicle.
West Bengal BJP Mahila Morcha president Locket Chatterjee, who was en route Raniganj, was also stopped by police at Durgapur. In protest, the actress-turned-politician staged a sit-in.
One Person Killed, 2 Cops Injured
One person was killed and two police officers were injured in the violence on Sunday and Monday. Senior IPS officers Jawed Shamim, Siddhinath Gupta and Vineet Goyal have been deputed on special duty to bring the situation under control.
Governor K N Tripathi has also been advised not to visit Durgapur to see a police officer injured in the violence in Raniganj in view of deployment of police in the area, an official release said on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the state government had deployed three top police officers to oversee the law and order situation.
Speaking to ANI, Police Commissioner Of Durgapur-Asansol L N Meena said that a total of 60 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence. She had earlier said that the situation was “under control” in the region.
BJP, Trinamool Congress Blame Each Other
Supriyo, earlier this week, had blamed inaction on part of the police for Sunday's violence over Ram Navami celebrations in Raniganj, neighbouring Asansol.
Earlier on 26 March, he visited the spot after the incident, and asserted that it was a case of “minority goons” attacking the BJP.
On the other hand, West Bengal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee alleged that the BJP was trying destroy the communal peace and harmony in the state.
When the police is patrolling the area, why do they want to visit Raniganj? Are they not satisfied after unleashing violence for the last two days?Partha Chatterjee
Jitendra Tewari, mayor of the Asansol Municipal Corporation and senior TMC leader, accused Supriyo of trying to disturb peace in the area.
The Trinamool Congress has warned people against swallowing communal rumours.
This is the work of people who do not have any knowledge. They do not know that both Hindu and Muslim houses are burnt and what they will eat from tomorrow. We will have to look into the matter. What is happening in Raniganj is not good. Some people are trying to burn Raniganj and we will oppose it. The Chief Minister has instructed us to be in Raniganj till the situation gets better.Jitendra Tewary, Asansol Mayor and Trinamool leader
(With inputs from Anil Giri)
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