Religious fanatic Muslims vandalise a Police outpost at Asansol, West Bengal

Issue related to reducing the volume of loudspeakers on mosques
Some Police personnel injured

Asansol (West Bengal) – After Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered that the volume of loudspeakers at places of worship in the State should be kept within limits, religious fanatic Muslims opposed the Police when they attempted to carry out inspections in this regard. Muslims surrounded the Jahangir Mohalla Police outpost and raised slogans such as “Allahu Akbar” (“Allah is great”) and “Nara-e-Takbeer” (“Allah is the greatest”). During this time, the outpost was vandalised and large-scale stone pelting was carried out. In response, the Police resorted to a lathi charge and fired tear gas shells. The incident took place at Railpar. Following the incident, the Police launched a search operation and arrested some Muslims involved in the violence. Temporary curfew has been imposed in the area to maintain peace and prevent the spread of rumours.

1. Following directions from the State Government, the Police administration had instructed that the volume of loudspeakers at places of worship in several areas of Asansol should be kept low. In this context, discussions had taken place during the day between the Police and local Muslims in the Railpar area. In the evening, a large number of Muslims gathered at the Police outpost. Raising slogans, they pelted stones at the outpost and vandalised vehicles belonging to the Police and ordinary citizens. Some Police personnel were injured in the incident.

2. Following the incident, paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area. Deputy Commissioner of Police V.G. Satish Pasumarthy stated that the situation is now under control and there is no problem. CCTV footage is being examined for identification purposes. Legal action will be taken against all those involved in the incident.