Violence during Ram Navami rally in Murshidabad; Muslim shops vandalised, several injured
Murshidabad: Violence broke out during a Ram Navami procession in Raghunathganj area of Jangipur subdivision, where around 40 shops were reportedly vandalised and several set on fire, raising concerns over law and order ahead of the Assembly elections.
The incident took place in Fultala locality, a predominantly Muslim residential area near the Jangipur subdivisional hospital. According to sources, tension began when a Ram Navami procession passed near a mosque while Friday prayers were underway.
Objections raised by those offering prayers reportedly led to a verbal altercation. The situation escalated as the procession moved towards Fultala crossing.
Eyewitnesses alleged that members of the mob climbed onto rooftops of nearby houses, hoisted saffron flags, damaged shops and assaulted residents. Several commercial establishments, including small shops and food outlets, were reportedly targeted.
The site of the incident is located close to the Raghunathganj police station. Residents claimed that the violence continued for some time despite the presence of police and central forces, alleging delayed intervention. Police later resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the crowd.
Among those injured was Abul Sheikh, a 30-year-old employee of Jangipur municipality, who sustained head injuries. He alleged that he was attacked while passing through the area on his motorcycle, which was also damaged and set on fire.
BJP Jangipur president Subal Chandra Ghosh said the situation arose after the procession was allegedly obstructed. He stated that participants reacted by pelting stones, leading to clashes in which people from both sides were injured.
Superintendent of Police of Jangipur police district, Surinder Singh, said police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. He said an investigation has been initiated with the involvement of both state police and central forces. No arrests had been made so far, and search operations are underway, he added.
Jangipur MLA Zakir Hossain alleged that the incident was an attempt to create communal tension ahead of elections and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
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3,841 LPG cylinders seized in Chhattisgarh; 97 FIRs filed during anti-hoarding drive
Raipur (PTI): The authorities in Chhattisgarh have seized 3,841 LPG cylinders from 335 locations across the state during the past more than two weeks as part of a crackdown to prevent hoarding of cooking gas, officials said.
The action was reviewed during a high-level meeting on Saturday chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to assess liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) availability and streamline the distribution system amid concerns arising from the West Asia conflict.
The chief minister directed authorities to closely monitor the stock and supply of cooking gas and petroleum products, and to take strict action against hoarding and profiteering.
He emphasised that ensuring timely delivery of essential services remains the government’s top priority and urged citizens not to panic.
In a post on X, the chief minister said, “In view of the prevailing situation in West Asia, a review meeting was held today at the Chief Minister's residence with senior state officials, Commissioners, Inspectors General (IGs), and District Collectors to assess the availability and supply mechanisms of petroleum products, LPG, and essential commodities.”
He said that adequate availability of essential goods, petroleum products, and cooking gas has been ensured across Chhattisgarh.
“The supply chain remains completely smooth and normal, and no shortages of any kind will be allowed to occur,” the CM said.
Officials have been directed to closely monitor stocks and the supply of cooking gas and petroleum products, and to take strict action against hoarding and profiteering, he said.
Delivering timely services to every citizen of the state remains our utmost priority. The people of the state need not harbor any concerns whatsoever, he added.
Officials informed in the meeting that raids were conducted at 335 sites across the state. While no black marketing was confirmed, action was taken on reports of hoarding, leading to the seizure of 3,841 cylinders and the registration of 97 FIRs, the release said.
In the meeting, Sai said that “thanks to the visionary and sensitive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country remained united and successfully confronted even a challenging situation like COVID-19”, according to the release.
He clarified that while the current situation does not resemble the COVID-19 period, it remains essential to stay vigilant. There is no shortage of petroleum products, gas cylinders, or fertilizers in the state, he said, stressing that citizens should not pay heed to any rumours.
Sai also said that the Centre has assured the states of an uninterrupted supply of essential goods in light of the West Asia situation.
A state-level control room has been set up to monitor the situation, and similar facilities will be established in all districts. Officials have been instructed to regularly review supply conditions and ensure accurate information reaches the public to counter misinformation, Sai said.
The CM ordered strict vigilance at border check-posts, with monitoring of LPG cylinder and fuel transport. Petrol and diesel are not to be sold in containers to the general public, except for authorised essential services, he said.
Sai also directed that uninterrupted gas supply be ensured to hospitals, hostels, educational institutions, railways, government establishments, defence and paramilitary units, social welfare institutions, and airport canteens, according to the release.
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel said in the meeting that consumers can report issues related to domestic LPG supply, complaints, or hoarding through a toll-free number, and efforts are being made to widely publicise it for quick grievance redressal.
Officials from oil companies, including IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL, informed during the meeting that there is no shortage of LPG or petroleum products in the state and that supply and online booking systems are functioning normally, the release said.
During the meeting, instructions were issued to maintain continuous vigilance over news reports concerning the supply of gas, petrol, and diesel. As misleading reports could trigger panic, it was directed that immediate cognizance be taken of such news to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to the public.
Instructions were also given to closely monitor social media and to maintain regular dialogue with media representatives, the statement said.
During the meeting, officials also informed that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the state.
The chief minister issued directives to curb the hoarding of fertilisers and to conduct regular reviews of daily stock levels.
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam and other senior state officials also attended the meeting, it said.
