Centre seeks report on Asansol violence, offers additional force to West Bengal

NEW DELHI: Following reports of clashes in West Bengal's Asansol during Ram Navami processions, the Central government on Wednesday asked the state government to submit a report on incidents of arson and violence in the last two days. Centre has also offered assistance of paramilitary forces in this regard.

Earlier today, Section 144 has been imposed in Asansol after clashes broke out between two communities on the occasion of Ram Navami. A huge contingent of police force and RAF have been deployed in the area.

Massive clashes broke out on Monday in Asansol's Raniganj during Ram Navami celebrations. Deputy Commissioner of Police had reportedly sustained injuries in his forearm as miscreants hurled bombs at him and other police officials.

Several groups had taken out processions in Raniganj to celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. As per reports, the procession while passing in front of a mosque, began sloganeering. On being confronted by the police, they started pelting stones at them. Soon after, the mob also hurled crude bombs in which a senior police officer was injured. He was rushed to a hospital in Asansol. Later, he was shifted to a private hospital in Durgapur.

Five other police officers were also said to have been seriously injured, along with some locals in the violence. Mobs are also said to have torched several houses and shops.

On the other hand, one person was killed and five police personnel were injured during a clash between two groups over a Ram Navami procession in Purulia in West Bengal. The incident took place on Sunday. 

While the Purulia SP Joy Biswas confirmed that one person was killed in the clash, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Anuj Sharma said five police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police-rank officer, were injured after violence that erupted between two groups over the Ram Navami procession in the Arsha police station area.

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Opposition BJP had organised processions to celebrate Ram Navami in various parts of the state.