BJP claims Ram Navami rally attacked in Kolkata’s Park Circus, Police deny permission was sought
Kolkata: BJP MP and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday alleged that a Ram Navami rally was attacked in the Park Circus Seven Point area of Kolkata. In a post on social media platform X, Majumdar claimed that vehicles carrying saffron flags were pelted with stones, resulting in shattered windshields and damage, while accusing the police of inaction during the incident.
The Balurghat MP, who also serves as the BJP's West Bengal unit president, posted videos showing damaged vehicles and alleged that the violence was targeted. He criticised the police force, stating it remained silent during the episode and accused the state government of pursuing "appeasement politics."
In his post, Majumdar claimed that the alleged attack was a response to the growing show of unity among Bengali Hindus and promised a larger procession next year. He stated that the same police who "stood mute" this year would "shower flowers" on the rally in future.
Kolkata Police responded to the allegations on X, stating that no permission had been granted for any procession in the Park Circus area on the occasion of Ram Navami. The police clarified that no official rally had taken place in that location, and they intervened upon receiving reports of a damaged vehicle. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway, the police added, while advising the public not to pay attention to unverified claims or rumours.
BJP leader Tarunjyoti Tewari questioned the police's stance on permissions, referring to a recent gathering by members of the minority community in the same area. The protest was held against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed in Parliament last week.
Ram Navami celebrations saw over 2,000 rallies held across West Bengal, with participation from both BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders. The occasion, however, also became a flashpoint in the ongoing political rivalry ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.
Approximately 6,000 police personnel were deployed across the state, along with drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and quick response teams to maintain law and order.
As the Ram Navami procession returned, Hindu devotees were savagely attacked in Kolkata’s Park Circus Seven Point area. Stones rained down on vehicles just for carrying saffron flags. Windshields shattered. Chaos unleashed. This wasn’t random—it was targeted violence. And where… pic.twitter.com/Ed74Xbi2K6
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) April 6, 2025
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
