Ram Navami violence had struck Rishra town of West Bengal’s Hooghly district on April 5. This violence had caused much unrest leading to disruption of services for the residents. Police had deployed forces around the town and prohibitory orders were in effect to ensure stability and peace. Internet services remained suspended and no instances of public disturbance had been reported on police records.
BJP National Vice President Dilip Ghosh and the Purhsura MLA Biman Ghosh were present during the Ram Navami procession which had seen clashes erupting between the different factions of the society. These clashes had caused injury to MLA Biman Ghosh and he was hospitalised due to injury. Serampore town which is in close proximity to Rishra witnessed incidents of vandalism and prohibitory orders as well as internet services were suspended across the town.
To bring back the normalcy, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose had visited the site and ensured locals and police officers of punishing the culprits. He had also directed his focus towards the safety and security of the town people. Several people were arrested by the police due to their alleged involvement in the violent incident.
The Home Ministry had sought reports from the West Bengal government to evaluate the situation and determine when the order of lifting the prohibitory orders and lifting of internet services can be done. The Calcutta High Court had also directed the Bengal government to file a report on the fresh violence in Rishra.
The West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has also taken her stance on the matter by claiming that no rioter will be spared and it is important to maintain communal harmony.
Amidst the violence, the government and local authorities are looking for ways to bring back normalcy to the town and ensure public safety.
