Communal Tensions in South 24 Parganas
In a troubling incident, authorities have detained forty individuals following violent clashes in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Wednesday, as reported by local news sources.
The unrest broke out between members of the Hindu and Muslim communities over a disagreement regarding a temporary stall in the Rabindranagar locality of Maheshtala, which is adjacent to Kolkata.
Initially, law enforcement attempted to de-escalate the situation; however, tensions rose, leading to stone-throwing incidents in the vicinity, according to statements from unnamed police officials. Reports indicate that several shops were also damaged during the chaos.
The violence subsequently spread to the nearby Nadial area, with reports of an attack on a place of worship during the disturbances.
At least five police officers sustained injuries during the clashes, including a deputy commissioner of police, as noted by the Deputy Inspector General of the Presidency Range.
According to police reports, bricks were thrown from rooftops, tires were set on fire in the streets, and a motorcycle was set ablaze in front of a police station. Several police vehicles also suffered damage.
In response to the escalating violence, police and the Rapid Action Force were deployed to the area, utilizing tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Following the unrest, prohibitory measures were enacted in the region, with the Additional Director General of West Bengal Police stating that the situation is now under control.
Authorities have filed seven first information reports related to the clashes, with four of them registered at the Nadial Police Station.
