VHP rally fizzles out, hundreds of activists detained

RAIGANJ (WB): Around 500 VHP activists were today detained by police while they were marching towards the venue of their rally here in North Dinajpur district which was to be addressed by senior leader Praveen Togadia.

Togadia's entry into the state was banned by the West Bengal government fearing "communal tension and disruption in public tranquillity."

VHP North Dinajpur district secretary Jyotirmoy Kundu said the VHP activists were taking out a procession to the Raiganj Merchant Club field, the venue of the rally, when the police detained them.

A senior district police officer confirmed the detention of around 500 VHP activists. The detained activists were, however, released after sometime.

The state administration had deployed a huge police force, consisting of the Rapid Action Force, armed police and the district police, apprehending law and order problem.

Senior police officers, including the Inspector General of Police (North Bengal), were present in Raiganj town to oversee law and order.

VHP had announced to hold a 'Dharm Sammelan' meeting at the Raiganj Merchant Club field to commemorate 50 years of VHP's existence. The meeting was to be addressed by Togadia.

Banning Togadia's entry into the state, the government had issued a notification under the provision of Section 144 under CrPC asking district magistrates to execute it in their respective jurisdictions.

On April 2, North Dinajpur Additional District Sessions Judge Uttam Kumar Shaw put an interim stay on the promulgation of CrPC Section 144.