Clashes broke out during a Ram Navami procession in West Bengal's Murshidabad district's Jangipur region on Friday, involving stone-pelting, vandalism and arson. The violence stemmed from arguments over loud music, prompting heavy police deployment. Prohibitory orders have been imposed and arrests made.
Tension gripped parts of Murshidabad district in West Bengal after clashes erupted during a Ram Navami procession in the Jangipur region on Friday, March 27, with reports of stone-pelting, vandalism and arson, police said.
The incident began around 3pm when the procession gathered at Mackenzie Park in Jangipur Municipality under Raghunathganj police station area, where some people objected to the loud music, leading to an altercation that escalated into stone-pelting and property damage between the two groups, police said.
Further clashes occurred in Sisatla area over songs being played. Tension flared again near Fultala Crossing, where a group of 150-200 people allegedly pelted stones at the procession, after which the crowd vandalised and set fire to several fruit shops nearby.
"Security forces were deployed in large numbers to bring the situation under control. Central forces have been conducting route marches and maintaining vigil. The situation is now under control. Adequate forces have been deployed, and patrolling is ongoing," a police officer said.
A senior police official of Jangipur police district stated, "Police personnel and the RAF have been deployed. Some shops and public properties have been damaged. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed."
Murshidabad DIG Ajit Singh Yadav told media, "The situation is under control. Arrests have been made and raids are being conducted." A source said around a dozen people have been detained.
Opposition BJP leader Subal Chandra Ghosh alleged it was a "pre-planned conspiracy." Jangipur Municipality Chairman Mofizul Islam appealed for action against those involved.
Last year in April, communal violence in Jafrabad village had led to deaths and property damage.
