Tensions Erupt in Asansol Over Loudspeaker Regulations Amid Religious Practices

Violence Erupts in Asansol Over Loudspeaker Use

Tensions escalated in the rail-par area of Asansol, West Bengal, on Friday night when violence broke out during a police awareness campaign regarding loudspeakers at religious sites. An angry mob attacked a police station located in the Kasai Mohalla and Jahangiri Mohalla areas, leading to stone-pelting, vandalism, and chaos in the vicinity.

Police Efforts to Control Noise Pollution

Under administrative directives, police officials had approached local temples and mosques to request that they keep loudspeaker volumes in check. The police stated that this initiative was uniformly applied to all religious sites to mitigate noise pollution. Officers visited a local mosque, asking for the loudspeaker volume to be limited to the mosque premises during prayers.

Rumors Ignite Violence

While discussions between the police and mosque committee were reportedly peaceful, rumors began to circulate that the police were attempting to halt prayers. This misinformation quickly escalated tensions, drawing a large crowd to the police station. The situation deteriorated rapidly as the crowd turned aggressive, launching bricks and stones at the officers.

Destruction and Police Response

The rioters caused significant damage to the police station and vandalized police vehicles, motorcycles, and private cars. Eyewitnesses reported a climate of fear and disorder throughout the area. In response to the escalating violence, police and central security forces intervened, employing batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Additional Tensions in Kolkata

Simultaneously, tensions arose in the Rajabazar area of Kolkata, where some individuals attempted to pray on the street, despite a recent ban on such activities in public spaces by the new government. When police arrived to clear the road, some protested, claiming it was an old tradition. However, authorities emphasized the necessity of keeping public pathways clear for law and order. Eventually, with the deployment of police and central reserve forces, the road was cleared, and traffic returned to normal. Officials reported that the situation is currently under control, and those attempting to incite unrest are being identified for legal action.

Increased Security Measures in Asansol

Following the Asansol incident, a significant police and central security presence has been established in the area. Continuous patrols are being conducted in sensitive locations to prevent any further disturbances. Several individuals involved in the violence have been detained, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify additional suspects.

Official Statements on the Incident

Krisnendu Mukherjee, the MLA from Asansol North, stated that the police were merely following administrative orders and had no intention of disrupting any religious activities. He attributed the outbreak of violence to the spread of rumors. Meanwhile, police officials have urged the public to maintain peace and disregard any false information. Agnimitra Paul, another MLA from Asansol and a state government minister, emphasized the importance of adhering to the law.

Police Assurance of Control

Deputy Commissioner of Police V.G. Satish Pasumarthy confirmed that the situation is now under control and that police are closely monitoring the entire area. He assured that no one involved in the violence and vandalism would be spared, and strict legal action would be taken against all offenders. The administration has called on the public to uphold communal harmony and cooperate with law enforcement.