Behrampore/Kolkata: At least 15 people were injured in clashes between two communities during a Ram Navami rally in Murshidabad's Jangipur on Friday evening. Central forces and police carried out a lathicharge to quell the violence. Twelve people have been arrested and police have issued prohibitory orders.
According to police, the rally was passing through Fultala Traffic More — a busy market area flanked by two shopping centres — around 6pm when rallyists and locals began quarrelling, apparently over saffron flags being used to cover green chain flags at the site. Late at night, a video surfaced showing a person removing a saffron flag. Police are probing both claims.
The dispute quickly escalated, drawing in a large crowd and turning into intense brickbatting. Bystanders and commuters returning home from work were caught in the crossfire.
Most shops in the area had downed their shutters, but a section of the mob vandalised four of them. CAPF and RAF personnel carried out a lathicharge to disperse the crowd and remain stationed in the area.
ADG (Law and Order) Ajey Ranade said police and central forces intervened promptly and restored order.
DIG Ajit Singh Yadav, who is camping at the site, said authorities are scanning CCTV footage to identify others involved.
Jangipur has seen repeated bouts of communal violence in recent years. In April 2025, clashes broke out in Suti and Samsherganj following protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leaving three people dead and forcing around 400 to flee to Malda. During Ram Navami in 2024, violence erupted in Shaktipur and Beldanga after a crude bomb targeted a religious procession, injuring 20 people, torching vehicles and vandalising a sitting MP's office.