Rishra and Serampur in Hooghly district on the eve of Sri Rama Navami

 Rishra and Serampur in Hooghly district on the eve of Sri Rama Navami 

Violence erupts in Howrah over Ram Navami procession

Seven persons injured in the incident, say police; Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says she will give a “befitting reply” to those who indulged in the violence

March 30, 2023 10:11 pm | Updated 10:11 pm IST - Kolkata

Shiv Sahay SinghSHIV SAHAY SINGH

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Violence erupted in parts of Howrah. Several vehicles were torched. 

Violence erupted in parts of Howrah. Several vehicles were torched. | Photo Credit: Debasish Bhaduri

Violence erupted in parts of Howrah district of West Bengal on Thursday over Ram Navami celebrations. Several vehicles were attacked and set on fire in Kazipara area of Howrah. A large police contingent cordoned off the area and the situation remained tense. Video footage from the violence-affected area showed several vehicles on fire. 

The violence allegedly erupted during a Ram Navami procession in the area. The procession from Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden made its way towards Howrah Maidan when violence erupted, police said.

“Seven persons were injured in the violence which unfolded less than a kilometre away from the State Secretariat,” police added. 

Several rallies were organised in Kolkata and other districts on the occasion of Ram Navami. Last year too a flare-up between two groups had erupted in Howrah during the celebrations. 

Hindutva groups have been involved in Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal over the past few years. Senior State BJP leaders participated in the rallies held across the State on Thursday.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she will give a “befitting reply” to those who indulged in the violence in Howrah. “There was a clear instruction to the police that no procession will be allowed in unauthorised routes,” Ms. Banerjee said, pointing out that action will be taken against police officers responsible for the lapse. The Chief Minister added, “Sometimes police gets scared and tries to maintain a balance between both sides.”

According to Ms. Banerjee, she had repeatedly said that she will not obstruct any Ram Navami procession but then those participating in the rally will have to follow the rules. “I had given similar instructions to my party also,” she said. “Despite my repeated warning, why did you change the route to target a particular community? Swords and even bulldozers were used in the violence. Certain pockets in the State like Howrah are prone to violence,” she added.

State BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said that last year violence erupted in the same area during Ram Navami and added “remarks by Trinamool Congress leadership” was responsible for the violence.

Hooghly stone pelting: train movement in Howrah-Bandel section suspended for 3 hours

A fresh incident of stone-pelting was reported in West Bengal's Hooghly district forcing railways to suspend all local and mail express train services operating to and from Rishra Railway Station.

April 04, 2023 09:43 am | Updated 09:43 am IST - Kolkata:

ANI

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Security personnel march during the imposition of Section 144 in an area a day after clashes that broke out between two groups during a  Ram Navami procession, in Hooghly district, Monday, April 3, 2023. 

Security personnel march during the imposition of Section 144 in an area a day after clashes that broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession, in Hooghly district, Monday, April 3, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI

Train movement was suspended in the Howrah-Bandel section for about 3 hours due to stone pelting at Rishra, informed officials on Tuesday. "Train movements over the Howrah-Bandel mainline section in both up and down directions had to be suspended from 22:06 hrs of 3.4.2023 in view of a stone-throwing incident near level crossing gate no. 4 (spl) of Rishra (ShriRampur end)," said CPRO, Eastern Railway, Kausik Mitra.

The train services however resumed post-midnight when the situation improved. "Train services in the section resumed at 1:07 hrs (post midnight) when the situation was improved," said Mitra.

Also read: Violence erupts in Howrah over Ram Navami procession

As a sequel to this, some local trains and long-distance trains were delayed enroute for a long duration.

Earlier on Monday evening, a fresh incident of stone-pelting was reported in West Bengal's Hooghly district forcing railways to suspend all local and mail express train services operating to and from Rishra Railway Station. According to Easter Railway Chief Public Relations Officer, Kausik Mitra, an incident of stone pelting occurred at Rishra Railway Station.

"For the security of common people, all local and mail express train services have been suspended on Howrah-Bardhaman Main Line," added Mitra.According to sources, police and rapid action force (RAF) have been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incident or violence.

The incident comes a day after clashes erupted during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Shobha yatra in Hooghly on Sunday, April 2, 2023. The State government later issued prohibitory orders and also suspended internet services across the district.

"In order to prevent obstruction, annoyance or injury to any person lawfully employed, or danger to human life, health or safety or a disturbance of the public tranquillity, or a riot or an affray, through an order under section 5 (2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, it is promulgated that," the State government had said.

Earlier on Thursday, several vehicles were set on fire after two groups clashed in Howrah amid Ram Navami celebrations. During the procession, the rioters vandalized public and private properties and set vehicles on fire.Following the violence in Howrah during Ram Navami celebrations, the West Bengal government on Friday handed over the probe to Criminal Investigation Department (CID). A special team led by Inspector General of Police, CID Sunil Choudhury has initiated the investigation.

Bengal Governor rushes from Darjeeling to visit violence-hit Hooghly district

Clashes were reported in Rishra on Sunday evening during a Ram Navami procession

April 04, 2023 01:11 pm | Updated 01:11 pm IST - Kolkata

PTI

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Security personnel deployed near Rishra railway station amid tension after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession on Sunday, in Hooghly district on April 4, 2023. 

Security personnel deployed near Rishra railway station amid tension after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession on Sunday, in Hooghly district on April 4, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI

West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose on April 4 rushed back from Darjeeling to visit violence-affected Rishra and Serampur in Hooghly district, officials said.

Mr. Bose had gone to the hill town in the northern part of the State for a G20 meeting.

Also Read | Prohibitory orders clamped in Bengal’s Hooghly after clashes during Ram Navami rally

Clashes were reported in Rishra on Sunday evening during a Ram Navami procession in which BJP national vice president Dilip Ghosh and party's Pursurah MLA Biman Ghosh were present. The MLA was injured and hospitalised.

Parts of Serampore also witnessed incidents of vandalism following which prohibitory orders were imposed and Internet services suspended.

What is rishra famous for?

Image result for rishra violence

During the Mughal period, the village Rishra and its suburbs were thickly populated. The hot and humid climate of the area was congenial to the textile industry. The land was thus famous for textile and silk weaving.

In clash-hit Rishra, locals point to similarity with Shibpur: poor police presence, inaction