After Howrah, clashes erupt in Hooghly; Internet suspended

In a statement, Governor C V Ananda Bose said the state is determined to put an end to the violence and added “mobocracy cannot derail democracy”.

Written by Sweety Kumari

Kolkata | Updated: April 3, 2023 08:24 AM IST

3 min read

After Howrah, clashes erupt in Hooghly; Internet suspended

Police deployed in large numbers after a clash broke out during Ram Navami procession, in Hooghly district. (Express Photo)

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Amid simmering tension in Howrah following violence during a Ram Navami procession Thursday evening, clashes broke out between two groups in neighbouring Hooghly district Sunday evening, following which prohibitory orders were imposed and the Internet was suspended. A few police personnel were injured in the violence, police said.

In a statement, Governor C V Ananda Bose said the state is determined to put an end to the violence and added “mobocracy cannot derail democracy”.

The police said clashes broke out around 6 pm during a Ram Navami procession in Rishra area of Hooghly. Two Ram Navami processions were organised in the area, and the second one was targeted near Wellington Jute Mill More at GT Road around 6.15 pm, PTI quoted the police as saying.

Also Read | Howrah violence: BJP says police crackdown was selective; fear and grief cut across divide

There were reports of tyres being set on fire and vehicles being vandalised. Police sources said 12 people have been arrested so far.

BJP national vice-president and Medinipur MP Dilip Ghosh, who was taking part in the procession, said stones were pelted at them, leaving Pursurah BJP MLA Biman Ghosh injured. “I was there when stones were hurled at us. I have full faith in the police but they couldn’t do anything. Stones were thrown close to my car as well. The state government is taking no action even after the violence in Howrah. Vehicles are being vandalised,” said Ghosh, adding there were women and children in the procession. “Police managed to chase away the trouble makers after being silent spectators for a while,” he alleged.

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

Heavy police deployment has been made in the area to prevent further flare-up, an officer said. “Police are doing route march, and prohibitory orders under CrPC section 144 have been imposed in Rishra wards 1-5 and Serampore’s ward 24. Internet services will remain suspended in parts of Rishra and Serampore till 10 pm on Monday,” PTI quoted a senior officer of Chandannagar Police Commissionerate as saying.

Governor Bose said those behind the violence will be “booked tonight itself and put behind bars”.

Also Read | Howrah’s Kazipara, Shibpur limp back to normalcy after clashes

“The miscreants, hooligans, and thugs will be crushed with an iron hand. They will be made to curse the day they were born. Mobocracy cannot derail democracy. We are determined, the state is determined to put an end to this arson and looting,” he said.

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TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, “Like in Howrah, what happened in Rishra was pre-planned by the BJP. In the name of Ram Navami, they are trying to disturb the peace everywhere.”

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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Hooghly Ram navami violence