West Bengal prohibits armed processions for Hanuman Jayanti, deploys additional forces

Five people have died so far in Asansol-Raniganj in the communal violence that began on Ram Navami. The West Bengal government has directed the state police to send additional forces to the troubled area in order to prevent any violence on Hanuman Jayanti on Saturday.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened a meeting with the state home secretary on Friday and instructed him to tell all police stations not to allow any armed processions during Hanuman Jayanti.

Sources in the state government said that it was decided that extra state police forces will be deployed in Asansol and bordering disricts to prevent any more violence.

A senior police officer said “ Anybody carrying arms during Hanuman Jayanti will be arrested and their weapons will be confiscated. The Chief Minister has given clear instructions that anybody seen brandishing wepaons should be given punishment under law.”

On Friday, the Union government has sent a team of ministers to visit Asansol and prepare a ground report and submit it to BJP president Amit Shah.

The team comprises Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir and BJP leaders Roopa Ganguly and Syed Shahnawaz Hussain.

Ahir said “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has failed to discharge her duties and she is only concerned about doing politics. This is not expected from a chief minister.”

Meanwhile a case has been registered against BJP MP Babul Supriyo for violating Section 144 and for threatening police personnel. Many locals have accused Supriyo of playing a role in instigating violence in Asansol.