Stone Pelting and Vandalism Erupt in Asansol After Loudspeaker Volume Dispute

Kolkata: The atmosphere suddenly deteriorated in Asansol, West Bengal on Friday night when a mob of people attacked the police post in Naya Mohalla area. It was alleged that the police had come to reduce the volume of the loudspeaker during the prayers. It was from here that a rumor spread that the police were trying to stop Friday prayers and within no time the crowd started pelting stones at the police post.

How did violence erupt in Asansol?

Actually, the policemen had come to the mosques and temples of the area to deliver a message from the administration. The message was simple and clear: the volume of loudspeakers at religious places should be kept within a certain limit. But meanwhile someone spread a rumor that the police were obstructing the prayers. Then what happened next, a large number of people gathered and the atmosphere became tense.

How did the attack on the police post happen?

It is being said that the people of the mosque committee were talking to the police when suddenly the crowd started pelting stones. The miscreants entered the police post and caused havoc. Stones were pelted at policemen and vehicles parked outside the post were also targeted. Vehicles parked on nearby roads also became victims of this violence.

What did the police do to control the situation?

As soon as the news of the incident was received, a large number of police forces and central security forces reached the spot. When the situation seemed to be worsening, the police had to lathi charge, after which the miscreants started running away from there. After a lot of hard work the situation could be brought under control. The police have detained several people and are continuously monitoring the area.

How is the situation in the area now?

After the violence, heavy police force has been deployed in the entire area. The administration has bluntly said that anyone who tries to spoil the atmosphere will be identified and strict action will be taken against him. At present the situation is said to be under control but the tension in the area has not completely ended yet.

What did the local MLA say?

Asansol North MLA Krishnendu Mukherjee clearly said that the police had gone there only to request to reduce the volume of loudspeakers, nothing more. He says that the atmosphere deteriorated due to rumors and some anti-social elements took advantage of the opportunity and tried to worsen the situation.