West Bengal governor visits violence-hit Asansol to take stock of situation

West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi on Saturday reached violence-hit Asansol, where communal clashes erupted over Ram Navami procession.

Tripathi took stock of the situation in violence-hit areas of Raniganj and Asansol and held a review meeting with police and administration officials.

Communal clashes broke out on Monday in Raniganj over a Ram Navami procession and soon spread to adjacent Asansol, where 16-year-old Sibtulla Rashidi, son of the Imam of Noorani Masjid was killed.

“My son has died, but I don’t want anyone else to lose his child,” the Imam told people who visited Idgah Ground, where his son was buried.

“I only want peace to return here. If you strike back, I shall leave this town,” the grieved father said.

So far, 4 people have died with several others, including policemen injured in the violent clashes. 60 people have been arrested by the police in Asansol.

Also Read | Asansol Violence: FIR against Union Minister Babul Supriyo for rioting, assaulting cope

Earlier, BJP MP and Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Babul Supriyo was stopped to enter the violence-hit areas. Supriyo was also booked for rioting and assaulting an IPS officer in Asansol.

The BJP leader also indulged in a heated argument with locals who asked him to leave the area. He then threatened to skin them alive, according to the Indian Express.

He has also filed a counter FIR against a police officer.

On Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed a four-member panel that will visit the Raniganj-Asansol area to take stock of the situation.

The central BJP delegation will be led by Shahnawaz Hussain and also comprises Roopa Ganguly and BD Ram, and BJP MP Om Mathur.

Meanwhile, the situation in Raniganj and Asansol remained tensed and internet services were suspended till March 30 following the communal clashes.

No fresh incident of violence was reported on Friday and police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were patrolling the area.