Ramnavami procession: Fresh violence erupts in Asansol-Raniganj

KOLKATA: Fresh violence erupted in Asansol-Raniganj area on Wednesday following a clash between two groups in the area while a Ramnavami procession was organised. The state government has issued prohibitory orders in the area and a group of three senior officials have been sent to Asansol with huge forces.

According to sources in the government, the state has turned down central government's proposal to deploy central forces in Asansol-Raniganj area and said that the situation could be managed by the state police forces.

Partha Chatterjee, state parliamentary affairs minister said that the state police can handle the situation and there is no need of central forces. Meanwhile, BSP chief Mayawati accused BJP of double standards in case of two clashes in Bengal and Bihar. Reacting to Mayawati’s comment, Banerjee thanked her and said, “ You have exposed the BJP government. BJP government is scared as we are all working together.”


The state government has also restricted Bengal Governor Keshrinath Tripathi from going to the area to meet the injured the police official. In a statement, the governor’s office said, “Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi planned to visit a hospital in Durgapur to see Arindam Dutta Chowdhury, dcp, who was injured during law and order duty on 26th March and also to acquaint himself about the situation. However, state government informed that in view of deployment of police in the area, it will be difficult to provide adequate security to the governor during the visit and also that the situation is still tense there including nearby areas of Raniganj-Asansol. So, it is not advisable for the Governor to visit Durgapur. Governor appeals to all sections of society to maintain peace.”

Meanwhile, internet services were snapped in Asansol- Raniganj area. Local channels were asked not to broadcast / telecast news that can trigger fresh violence in the area.