Ram Navami Clashes: Once again an incident of violence has been seen in West Bengal during Ram Navami. There was a clash during the Ram Navami procession in Murshidabad, Bengal on Wednesday (April 17), in which many people were injured. Stones were allegedly pelted at a procession in Shaktipur area of Murshidabad, in which at least 20 people were injured. There was an explosion during the procession in Shaktipur on Wednesday evening, in which a woman was injured.
BJP has cornered Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government over this incident. Regarding stone pelting, the party has said that this year also the police has failed to protect Ram devotees. BJP said that last year too, due to failure of police to provide security, stones were pelted at processions in Dalkhola, Rishra and Serampore. This year too, the peaceful procession of Ram Navami, which was being taken out after full permission from the administration, has been attacked by miscreants in Shaktipur.
Stones pelted at Ram Navami procession from rooftops
According to India Today report, the incident of stone pelting in Murshidabad came to light in Shaktipur area of the district, when the procession was passing through here on Wednesday evening. Some videos of the incident have also surfaced, in which people can be seen pelting stones from rooftops. After the stone pelting, the crowd became furious, to control which the police had to resort to lathi charge and tear gas shells.
Police further said that the situation has been brought under control and additional forces have been sent to maintain peace at the spot. People injured due to stone pelting have been admitted to ‘Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital’ in Baharampur. Indian Express quoted a police officer as saying that at least 20 people have been injured in stone pelting, who have been admitted to the hospital.
Explosion during Ram Navami procession
According to news agency PTI, an explosion took place in Shaktipur in Murshidabad district on Wednesday evening during the Ram Navami procession, in which a woman was injured. A police officer said that the explosion occurred on Wednesday evening. A woman was injured in this. Investigation is being done regarding the blast. The woman has been admitted to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital. However, no information was given whether the explosion was caused by a bomb or due to some other reason.
Police stood with the miscreants, BJP alleges
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said that the procession has been accused of stone pelting and vandalism of shops. He said, “Permission was taken from the administration for a peaceful Ram Navami procession, but miscreants attacked in Shaktipur and Beldanga-II blocks of Murshidabad.”
The officer said, “The surprising thing is that this time Mamata Police was seen standing with the miscreants in this terrible attack and tear gas shells were fired on Ram devotees. This was done to ensure that the procession ends immediately. Go.”
Adhir Ranjan came to meet the injured, BJP demonstrated
Baharampur MP and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhary visited the area on Wednesday evening. He said, “I have come from Malda to see the people injured in the clash. But BJP workers started protesting in the hospital claiming that Hindus are being attacked and demanding answers from me. People should ask those who need answers.”
The Congress leader said, “Riots are being instigated as per a well-planned plan. BJP’s opposition proves it. I have spoken to the Election Commission. Additional forces have been sent to Shaktipur and the SP is on the spot. I am continuously I am in touch with the Election Commission.”
Also read: Big action by NIA in Ram Navami violence case, 16 people arrested