Tensions flare up over derogatory Facebook post, mob attacks police station

Prohibitory orders had been promulgated to prevent the assembly of people in the area.

Ransacked Illambazar police station and a damaged police van (below) on Tuesday. Express

Police had to open fire and burst teargas shells to quell a rampaging mob that had attacked Illambazar police station in Birbhum district on Tuesday afternoon. One person was injured in police firing and had been admitted to a hospital.

Prohibitory orders had been promulgated to prevent the assembly of people in the area. The attack on the police and the ransacking of police vehicles followed after Muslims protested to a derogatory Facebook post on the Prophet on Monday.

The Hindu youth, who had allegedly used his Facebook account to post the derogatory remark, was identified from Guricha village of Illambazar. But he was said to be absconding.

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As the news about the post spread, Muslims in the area began to protest and gather. They burnt an effigy during which some shops by the roadside reportedly caught fire and were partially damaged. A fire brigade had to be called in to douse the flames. Tension began to mount as more and more people got to know about the Facebook post and the police station was raided by a mob.

Window panes were broken, scooters, motorcycles and other vehicles parked outside the police station were damaged. Some police men sustained injuries, it was learnt. By evening, the Rapid Action Force was deployed in the area and the situation was said to be under control, according to police sources.

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