Bengal: Violence broke out during Namaz in Asansol, heavy stone pelting and vandalism at police post.

Kolkata: The situation suddenly became tense in Asansol, West Bengal on Friday, when a huge commotion and stone pelting started outside the police post of Naya Mohalla area. Within no time the situation worsened so much that the police and central security forces had to reach the spot and resort to lathi charge. An atmosphere of chaos was created in the entire area and many vehicles and government property were damaged.

According to local people, the dispute started when policemen reached the mosque in the area and requested the mosque committee to limit the volume of loudspeakers. It was told that the administration had given instructions not to use loud loudspeakers at religious places. Meanwhile, a rumor spread that the police was trying to stop Friday prayers. Within no time a large number of people gathered and the atmosphere became tense. After some time, a part of the crowd moved towards the police post and started pelting stones.

Police post and vehicles were vandalized

After the situation suddenly turned violent, the rioters targeted the police post and the vehicles parked there. Stones were thrown at the policemen and many nearby vehicles were also vandalized. According to eyewitnesses, there was complete chaos in the area for some time. As soon as information about the attack was received, a large number of police forces and Central Security Force personnel reached the spot. The security forces first tried to pacify the crowd, but seeing the situation going out of control, they had to resort to lathicharge. After this the miscreants were chased away from there and gradually the situation was brought under control.

MLA told how the rumor spread

Asansol North MLA Krishnendu Mukherjee said that the policemen had reached the mosque only to convey the message of the administration. He said that the authorities had requested the mosque committee to limit the sound of loudspeakers during namaz to the mosque premises. According to him, misunderstanding spread regarding this matter and some people started propagating that the police had come to stop the namaz. After this rumor the atmosphere deteriorated and violence started.

Administration increased security, many people detained

After the incident, a large number of police forces have been deployed in the entire area. Constant monitoring is being done in sensitive areas so that no stressful situation arises again. Police said that many people involved in the violence have been detained and the remaining accused are being identified. The process of identifying the miscreants is going on with the help of CCTV footage and video recording of the area.

The administration appealed to maintain peace

After the incident, the administration has appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumors and maintain peace. Officials say that instructions were given equally to all communities regarding noise control at religious places and there is no question of targeting any one community. At present, the situation in the area is said to be under control, but as a precaution, security arrangements have been tightened. Police are continuously patrolling and keeping an eye on those spreading any kind of rumour.