New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday sought a detailed report from the West Bengal (WB) state government on communal clashes that have broken out in North 24 Parganas district over an “objectionable” post on Facebook.
Violence engulfed large parts of North 24 Parganas on Tuesday evening after a derogatory comment on Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was posted by a 17-year-student of Baduria village. He was arrested on Wednesday.
The situation prompted the state government to rush 400 troops of paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) to contain the situation. Internet services have also been suspended in the district.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that more than 2,000 Muslims attacked Hindu families in North 24 Parganas.
“Over 2,000 Muslims attacked Hindu families. Bombs went off at many places and information of Hindu sisters and daughters being raped have been received. Bharatiya Janata Party’s offices at several places were also set on fire,” BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya told media.
He accused WB state police of failure to control the situation.
“The police completely failed to check the situation. I have also written a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to intervene in the matter. I believe some Bangladeshis who were illegally staying in West Bengal were also involved in the ruckus,” he added.
On Wednesday, Home Minister Singh had to step in to ease tension between state Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee and state Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi in the wake of the clashes.
According to sources in the Home Ministry, Singh advised Banerjee and Tripathi to maintain the dignity of the high offices that they represent.
Banerjee has accused Tripathi of “threatening” her over phone.
“The Governor called me and the way he spoke to me was as though he is threatening me. I am not his servant. I have been elected by the people. He is the Centre’s representative. He cannot speak like the BJP block president. I am not here at the mercy of anyone. The way he spoke to me, I once thought of leaving the chair,” Banerjee told media.
Tripathi, however, refuted allegations made by Banerjee.
“There was nothing in the talks for Mamata Banerjee to have felt insulted, threatened or humiliated. The talks between the Chief Minister and the Governor were confidential in nature and none is expected to disclose it,” a statement issued by Governor’s House read.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Police has appealed to the people not to heed rumours.
“Please don’t heed rumours. Morphs on social media are more vicious. City is peaceful. Please stay calm and help us in keeping peace,” the Kolkata Police tweeted.
