Clashes broke out on Saturday night in West Bengal‘s Murshidabad after an Islamophobic message written on a sign board at a Kartik Puja pandal in Beldanga. The district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and suspended internet.
As news of the sign board spread, more people gathered, leading to mobs on both sides throwing bricks at each other as well as vandalism and arson.
Video of the signboard has sparked outrage on social media.
Indian Express, quoting police sources, reports that shops and houses were ransacked and a police vehicle was damaged in the violence, which also spread to the adjacent areas. Police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the mobs.
“Prompt action has been taken by the police against vandalism and violence by arresting 17 persons. No casualty repeat no casualty has been reported anywhere in the district. 6 persons were injured and are under proper treatment. Condition of all injured is stable. Situation is under control. Sharp police vigil continues. Please do not heed unverified facts and figures being circulated on social media to disrupt peace. Sternest possible legal action will be taken against law-breakers as also the rumour-mongers,” West Bengal Police posted on X.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com.
