Flare-up in Barasat after ‘pro-Pakistan’ social media post
Times of India | 15 May 2025
123456 Kolkata: At least three police personnel were injured — one of them seriously — after violent clashes broke out at Barasat in North24 Parganas on Tuesday night following a viral social media post allegedly expressing support for Pakistan and opposing India.Angry locals blocked the Barasat–Barrackpore Road, halting traffic and demanding immediate arrest of the accused.Tension escalated when police attempted to disperse the protesters, prompting stone-pelting by the mob.Police retaliated with lathicharge and tear gas shelling to bring the situation under control. The accused, identified as Nazir Hossain and his son Shamim, were arrested for allegedly uploading the controversial post. Thirteen others were also taken into custody for instigating violence and assaulting cops during the protest.Locals said the unrest started at Barasat's Talikhola area around 11 pm after Hossain posted ‘pro-Pakistan' remarks on Facebook. Residents allegedly dragged Hossain and his father from their home and assaulted them. Protesters then blocked Barasat–Barrackpore Road, prompting a large deployment of police and RAF personnel. As police tried to rescue Hossain from the mob, the crowd turned violent. Stones were hurled, and the road blockade intensified. To control the situation, police resorted to lathicharge and fired tear gas shells. The road was later cleared."We have arrested 15, including the persons who posted the message and 13 others on charges of creating public disorder and obstructing govt work," Pratiksha Jharkharia, SP, Barasat, told TOI. Later at night, family members and neighbours of the arrested individuals staged a sit-in outside Barasat PS, demanding their release. The protest continued till about 3 am on Wednesday.