Normal life in parts of the 'coal belt' of West Bengal remains paralysed since violence erupted during Ram Navami celebrations on Sunday. At least three people have died of injuries sustained in clashes, but their identities have not been disclosed, while three policemen have been injured. An IPS officer, Arindam Dutta, lost his right hand in a bomb attack on March 26.
As celebrations have continued for three consecutive days, sporadic clashes have also been reported on Tuesday and Wednesday. Buses and other forms of transport stopped services in Asansol and Raniganj and shops, schools and colleges have been closed. Life has come to a standstill in some areas as office goers chose to stay at home fearing violence.
Heavy deployment of police forces has been undertaken in Asansol and Raniganj townships, with Section 144 being imposed as anti-social elements, armed with sharp weapons, from two communities fought on the streets.
Police stations in Raniganj were attacked by groups of men, allegedly owing allegiance to the Trinamool Congress and BJP. The condition of Dutta, who is being treated at a private hospital in Durgapur, is reported to be very serious.
Babul Supriyo, local MP and Union minister of state for heavy industries, blamed cadres of the Trinamool Congress for the violence.
“The chief minister is holding tea 'sessions' in Delhi while her state is burning. TMC cadres hurled bombs at the police officers. Many people have become homeless because of the torture of rowdies from Trinamool Congress against BJP cadres. I have sent a report to Home Minister Rajnath Singhji. I have sought Central forces to check the riots,” said Supriyo.
The CPI(M) called for immediate restoration of peace and blamed both BJP and Trinamool Congress for the riots in Asansol and Raniganj.
“State is burning because of competitive communalism by Trinamool and BJP. The people are facing the heat. We are not holding protest rallies because of many reasons but are asking the government to halt the menace going on in the areas,” said CPI(M) state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra at a press conference.