Riots and mayhem in Howrah, police clamp Section 144

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Express news service

Posted online: Tuesday , March 11, 2008 at 12:45:34
Updated: Tuesday , March 11, 2008 at 01:06:45

Kolkata, March 10 A minor backchat between a jewellery shop owner and his customer on Sunday morning at Panchla in Howrah accelerated into a major scuffle 24 hours later between two communities, their anger leaving in its wake several burnt shops and homes in the area.

Police officers said 20 people have been injured in the clashes, which continued through Monday. Officers shelled tear gas and resorted to lathicharge to control the infuriated mobs. The area continued to smart with tension, as 40 people were picked up following the violence. The police has imposed Section 144 in Panchla till Tuesday evening, allowing only examination candidates to pass through.

Inspector General Raj Kanojia said, “There were intermittent clashes on Monday between two groups. Officers of the state police, as well as those from the Rapid Action Force and Eastern Frontier Rifles, have been stationed in the area. The situation is under control now.”

Officers said that on Sunday morning, a young man from Nalpur brought several jewellery pieces to the owner of Swarnadeep Jewellery House, Asish Parui. Parui dismissed the ornaments as fake though the young man would not believe it. One thing led to another, and Parui’s employees manhandled the man.

He came back on Sunday morning, with around 500 armed men from his community and attacked the bazaar. Businessmen were beaten up and their shops torched. The police rushed to the spot and arrested Parui. This in turn angered the local business community. They garnered force and took out a rally on Monday afternoon to protest against the arrest. When the rally reached Mirbazar, the two communities clashed again. Bombs were hurled and sharp weapons were used in the fights. The violence touched Mirbazar, Nalpur, Ranihati, Khalisani and other neighbouring areas.

A huge police contingent, led by Howrah Superintendent of Police Neeraj Singh, rushed to the area and used force to scatter the mob. DIG Somen Mitra (Presidency Range) and District Magistrate Khalil Ahmed too visited the spot.

Later, CPI(M) secretary Biman Bose, in a press communique, said, “...On March 10, the Sangh Parivar instigated violence at Panchla, Howrah over a minor issue. They set fire and looted houses and shops. This prompted Muslim fundamentalists to retaliate and participate in the violence. The police, aided by the Left parties, could control the violence. An all-party meeting has been called in the area to control the violence.”

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