Indefinite curfew in Howrah after violence

Howrah, Mar 10 (UNI) Indefinite curfew was clamped today in the entire Panchla police station area in Howrah district following overnight violent clashes that left around twenty injured.

Superintendent of Police Niraj Kumar Singh said, ''Clashes erupted late last night between rival groups at Millbazar area under Panchla police station following a dispute over gold transaction at a jewellery shop in the area.'' At least 15-20 persons were injured and about 50 houses and shops torched and damaged, he said.

Eight fire tenders were battling to douse the flames while the Rapid Action Force (RAF) had been deployed and indefinite curfew clamped in the entire Panchla police station area. The Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) had also been kept in reserve to tackle the situation, Mr Singh said.

Police used batons and lobbed teargas shells to quell the irate mob. The force had to finally fire some rounds in the air to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, DIG Somen Mitra, District Magistrate Khalil Ahmed and other officials rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.

Two persons had been arrested so far, the SP added.

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