Calcutta HC refuses to intervene in stone-laying of Babri replica in Murshidabad

Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, appearing for the petitioner, argued that such an event could lead to unrest in the area and disrupt peace.

The court also sought the Centre’s position. The Centre told the bench that the area was “sensitive” and had witnessed disturbances earlier, requiring deployment of Central forces. The Centre submitted that 19 companies of Central Armed Police Force, which were deployed in the region following the communal riots which rocked Murshidabad district in April this year, still remain posted and would be ready for deployment in the eventuality of violence

The court said the Centre must assist the state in ensuring that no chaotic situation arises around the foundation-laying programme.

Additionally, the state has also been instructed to ensure peace in the area, with assistance from Central security agencies. A day ahead of the ceremony security has been tightened in the locality on Friday with deployment of additional forces and the area has been placed under a “high security” zone, with the police, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and BSF units being mobilised, they said.

The directions came during the hearing of a public interest litigation alleging that Kabir’s proposal was unconstitutional. A PIL was filed on Thursday, seeking a stay, citing concerns that the ceremony could disrupt communal harmony in the region.

Kabir had announced that the foundation stone for the Babri Masjid would be laid in Beldanga on December 6 — the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Following this announcement, the Trinamool Congress suspended him. Moments after the suspension was made public, Kabir walked out of the venue and reiterated that he would proceed with the foundation-laying as planned. He said the proposed mosque land had already been identified and added that he would announce a new political party on December 22.

Saudi clerics to attend event, 3,000 police officials deployed

The foundation-stone laying ceremony on Saturday is likely to attract a large crowd, with special seating arrangements made for 400 guests, officials said.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12 noon in the Beldanga and Rezinagar vicinity and the administration has beefed up security in the area. The formal activities will begin two hours prior.

Three thousand police personnel will be deployed, along with personnel from two local police stations on special duty to maintain law and order in the area as well as ensure that National Highway 12 remains operational, an official said.

The project is estimated to cost around Rs 125 crore.

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has claimed that the event is part of a larger project, which includes a college, hospital, and rest house, to be built on 20 bighas of land.

On Friday evening, local police administration held a meeting with Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir and his associates. “I am happy with the approach of the police administration. We have to vacate the venue within 4pm,” Kabir said.

Two Islamic clerics from Saudi Arabia are expected to attend the event, which will conclude by 2 pm, followed by food distribution. “Two qazis from Saudi Arabia will arrive in a special convoy from Kolkata airport in the morning,” he said, adding that religious leaders from several states had confirmed their presence.

Seven catering companies have been hired to prepare 40,000 packets of Shahi Biryani for the attendees. Besides, biryani is also on the menu for 20,000 locals. According to officials, rupees 30 lakh have been allocated for food and rupees 10 lakh for stage construction.