The Calcutta High Court on Thursday ordered an NIA investigation into the violence in Shibpur in Howrah district during Ram Navami celebrations.
Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, a division bench presided by Acting Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam directed for the transfer of investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from the West Bengal Police.
In the PIL, Adhikari sought an NIA probe into the violence, during which it was alleged that bombs exploded.
The court directed the state police to transfer all records and CCTV footage relating to the matter to the central government within two weeks.
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The Centre was directed to send the documents to the NIA thereafter.
A riot-like situation broke out in West Bengal’s Howrah district near Kolkata amid Ram Navami celebrations this year.
Videos circulating on social media platforms showed several vehicles set on fire and public property vandalised amid heavy police deployment in the area.
The violence erupted following clashes between two groups in Howrah.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident and accused the opposition BJP of “hiring goons from outside” and orchestrating communal riots in the state.
Not just in West Bengal but similar clashes broke out in Gujarat’s Vadodara as well.
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Stones were hurled at two Ram Navami processions in Fatehpur area of Vadodara city today, police said, adding that some persons were injured in one of the incidents.
(This is a developing story. Further details awaited.)
