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This is an archive article published on December 17, 2016

Howrah: 25 held after communal clash

The next day, a Muslim mob allegedly attacked Hindu homes and shops and them ablaze.

DHULAGARH IN Howrah continued to be tense on Friday, days after an attack on a procession held to mark Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary. Houses and shops were burnt down in a retaliatory attack.

Since Tuesday, when the violence started, over 25 people have been arrested. “The Muslims have claimed that they were ambushed by a group of Hindus, who had objected to the procession. The violence was controlled and we arrested a few people,” said a senior police officer.

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The next day, a Muslim mob allegedly attacked Hindu homes and shops and them ablaze. “Policemen rushed to the spot and managed to diffuse the tension. But the next day, for almost two hours, there was a stand-off between the police and rioters from both communities.

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They were carrying bombs… We used tear gas shells… Finally, we had to call in reinforcements to bring the situation under control,” said the officer.

Police said a case has been registered under charges of rioting and breaking communal harmony against members of both communities. “The situation is under control… Forces, including RAF, have been posted at Dhulagarh to maintain peace,” said an officer.

When contacted, Trinamool Congress MLA from Sankrail in Howrah, Sital Kumar Sardar, said: “There was some tension. But both communities sat down with the police and came to an amicable solution. Peace has been restored.”

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