Violence broke out in West Bengal’s Asansol on Friday night after a mob allegedly pelted stones and vandalised a police post following complaints against the volume of loudspeakers at a mosque. At least seven people have been arrested in the incident, the police said Saturday.
Police sources claimed a police team urged the locals and mosque authorities to reduce the loudspeaker’s volume in Asansol’s Jahangir Mohalla, following a complaint. This angered the locals who protested outside the police outpost at around 9 pm.
Soon, a scuffle broke out in front of the police outpost, and the mob allegedly pelted stones and vandalised the police outpost. Police claimed that several police and civilian vehicles were also damaged in the incident.
A huge police contingent later arrived at the spot, and the police lathicharged the protesters to pacify the situation and disperse the mob.
Meanwhile, police pickets have been put up in the area and the situation is now under control, as per the police sources.
Throughout the state, the police and administration held meetings with religious leaders with a set of guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. As per the Apex court guidelines, no religious activity is allowed by blocking the roads. Besides, all loudspeakers at religious places must maintain a volume between 65 to 75 decibels.
Dhruba Das, Deputy Comissioner of Police at Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, told media on Saturday: “Last night a crowd had gathered to discuss some issue. Police personnel were also there. Two groups had formed amid the crowd, and they started an argument with each other. Police attempted to break it off… However a section of the mob pelted stones at the police outpost, which caused minor damage. So, we are examining the CCTV to identify those involved. Strict action will be taken.”
According to police sources, seven people have been arrested in connection with the incident, so far.
Meanwhile Agnimitra Paul, BJP MLA from Asansol Dakshin and the state’s urban development minister, while speaking with mediapersons on Saturday, said, “Nothing will be allowed which disturbs the public. You cannot block the roads and harass the public. There is an allowed noise pollution level. You cannot exceed it. You cannot exceed the volume level of loudspeakers. You can be Hindu, Sikh, Muslim or Christian, you can even play a DJ — but within the permitted level.”