Howrah violence: State CID takes over probe; 38 arrested

Large contingents of policemen were seen patrolling the bylanes of Shibpur and Kazipara areas of the district on Saturday. Prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 are still in place. Internet connections, which were restricted on Friday in Shibpur and Kazipara areas, were restored early Saturday morning.
After the West Bengal Home department ordered the probe by the state CID, a special team of the investigation agency reached Shibpur police station and took over the investigation. Police sources said the CID team also collected FIR details, case details and other documents related to the case. Along with top officers of the Howrah police commissionerate, the team also went to areas where violent clashes had taken place.

A senior police officer said, “Though there were no new incidents of violence after Friday, tension prevailed in PM Basti, Kundal Bagan area and a few other places in Shibpur. We are alert and forces have also been deployed in these areas.”

Sources said heavy police force and Rapid Action Force units remain stationed in these areas. Currently, a team of 11 IPS officers is looking after the law and order situation in Howrah. Police also conducted marches in some areas adjacent to Shibpur police station as part of security measures.

CID team at Shibpur Howrah on Saturday, April 01, 2023, In connection with Ramnavmi day violence.Express photo by Partha Paul.

Post 1 pm on Friday, Kazipara and PM Basti areas under Shibpur police station area saw stone-pelting for hours, with police personnel stuck in the middle. The violence came a day after clashes broke out between two groups when two processions were taken out – one by the Vishva Hindu Parishad and another by the Anjani Putra Sena – on the occasion of Ram Navami. Several shops were ransacked during the violence while a number of cars were vandalised. After Friday’s incident, police imposed section 144 in Kazipara, PM Basti area, Fazirbazar, Kundal Bagan areas and in a 2-kilometer stretch of GT Road to control the situation.

On Saturday morning, normalcy slowly returned to the area as some local shopkeepers opened their shops. People also left their homes for work.
Srikant Jaiswal (47), a resident of Kundal Bagan area, said, “Until now we were afraid of violence. Last night, locals guarded this area.”

In PM Basti area, Shahanawaz (25) said, “Now, there is nothing to worry about in this area. It is peaceful once again. Some people are trying to spread rumours but we are not falling for any trap.”