Hanuman Jayanti rallyists clash with police in Bengal

A clash broke out between police and participants at a Hanuman Jayanti rally in West Bengal's Birbhum district on Tuesday, police said.

The participants carrying saffron flags were stopped by police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel near the Barabagan area, sparking trouble.

Stating that permission for any such rallies had not been given, the district police said they were forced to intervene when the participants tried to enter the "sensitive areas of the town".

"We did not give them permission for any such rally. In spite of that, there was a rally. We did not initially object but had to intervene when they tried to enter more sensitive areas with a mixed population," Birbhum's Superintendent of Police N. Sudheer Kumar told IANS.

Police resorted to a baton charge to control the situation. A few rally participants were also held for alleged violence.

"Some people were detained as they did not listen to police and tried to assault our personnel. We had to forcefully stop them and ensure that the situation is under control," the officer said.

Accusing state Bharatiya Janata Party President Dilip Ghosh of inciting the rally organisers, district Trinamool Congress presdient Anubrata Mondal said the police action was correct and necessary.

"Dilip Ghosh was supposed to attend this rally. He did not come himself but tried to incite the locals from Kolkata. These tactics won't work in Birbhum," Mondal said.

"Police had no objections initially but asked the rally not to enter the Madrasa road. They did not listen to police. The rally was totally disorganised. I think what police has done is correct," he added.

BJP national spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, who is in Kolkata for a party programme, alleged that the police rained batons on participants of a 'peaceful' rally, and assailed the government for refusal of permission.

Countering the BJP leaders, Trinamool leader Partha Chatterjee alleged that efforts were being made to "destroy" peace and brotherhood in the society, but the plans won't succeed.

--IANS

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