BJP MLA injured in clash at Bengal’s Ram Navami rally, prohibitory orders imposed, Net snapped

A BJP MLA was injured after fresh violence broke out between two groups on Sunday evening in Hooghly district of West Bengal during a Ram Navami procession.

The injured MLA, Biman Ghosh, has been hospitalised with serious injuries.

Following the clash, prohibitory orders were imposed and internet services have been snapped.

BJP vice-president Dilip Ghosh alleged that stones were hurled at them when the procession was heading towards the Jagannath temple in Mahesh.

The police said local internet services have been snapped for the next 24 hours and large gatherings have been banned.

Visuals of the procession show people running for safety amid stone-throwing.

Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said those responsible for the violence will be charged tonight and jailed.

“Reinforcement has been rushed to the spot. The culprits will be charged tonight itself and put behind bars .. Mobocracy cannot derail democracy. We are determined, the state is determined to put an end to this arson and looting,” he said.

Security has been tightened and police are doing a route march in the area to prevent any further flare-ups.

Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar alleged the Trinamool Congress was behind the violence today. “BJP Shobha yatra attacked in Hooghly. The reason is simple and clear. Mamata Banerjee hates Hindus,” Mr Majumdar tweeted.

Earlier on Thursday and Friday, violence had erupted during Ram Navami celebrations in parts of neighbouring Howrah district. More than 45 people were arrested, prohibitory orders were imposed and the internet was suspended to bring the situation under control.