Bengal communal violence: Fresh tension in Basirhat, police use tear gas to control mob

Fresh tension was reported in West Bengal’s Basirhat area today forcing the police to lob tear gas shells and resort to baton charge even as the state government decided to ban some organisations for allegedly instigating people.

“There may be some reports of small incidents, but the situation is under control,” a senior official at the state secretariat asserted. “Fresh tension brewed up at Basirhat town and station area after the communal clashes in Baduria in the district. Police had to lob teargas shells and resort to baton charge to disperse an unruly crowd,” a senior police officer said. Police and BSF personnel immediately rushed to the area to bring the situation under control, he said.

The state cabinet decided to ban the organisations after they were allegedly found instigating people in communal riots, a state minister said. It was also learnt that if these organisations try to hold any meeting or rally, they will have to inform the police and seek prior permission. “Police will run a check on their records and then only give permission for holding rallies and meetings,” the minister said.
“Some strategies were chalked out during today’s cabinet meeting to control the situation in Basirhat,” he said. …read more