Kolkata fumes over Poonam Pandey

Zeenews Bureau

Kolkata: Who would have thought that a wannabe model could create such a stir in a city. Incensed over a photograph of Poonam Pandey that appeared in a city daily, protesters blocked roads for up to six hours throwing life out of gear over parts of Kolkata on Tuesday, prompting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to appeal for peace. "Some people provoked by political influence are trying to create problems in the city. I urge them not to fall to such provocation and ask them to maintain peace and harmony," Banerjee said here after returning from New Delhi. Without naming the opposition, Banerjee accused it of stoking the fire and urged everyone to maintain peace and harmony. She warned that the administration will not tolerate any attempt to create trouble. A photograph featuring model Pandey is alleged to have hurt religious sentiments which triggered the protests in the city. Senior police officers rushed to the spot to persuade the agitators to lift the blockade which stalled traffic movement from Park Circus crossing to Bridge No. 4 since 3.45 p.m. Road blockades were also reported from the nearby Mullickbazar area. Police said the situation was under control. The opposition Left Front also urged people to maintain peace and order. "West Bengal is known for its tolerant and peace loving people. Therefore, I urge everybody to maintain peace and harmony," Left Front chairman Biman Bose said. Meanwhile, the publication which had carried the photograph, issued an apology in today`s edition. (With Agency Inputs)