Hanuman Jayanti rallyists clash with police in Bengal

Police resorted to a baton charge to control the situation. A few rally participants were also held for alleged violence.

Birbhum (West Bengal), April 11: A clash broke out between police and participants at a Hanuman Jayanti rally in West Bengal's Birbhum district on Tuesday, police said.

The rally, brought out on the streets of the district headquarters Suri, with the participants carrying saffron flags, was stopped by police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel near the Barabagan area, sparking trouble.

Stating that permission for any such rallies had not been given, the district police said they were forced to intervene when the participants tried to enter the "sensitive areas of the town".

"We did not give them permission for any such rally in the area and asked them not to invite any political leaders. In spite of that, there was a rally. We did not initially object but had to intervene when they tried to enter the more sensitive areas of the town with a mixed population," Birbhum's Superintendent of Police N. Sudheer Kumar told IANS.

Police resorted to a baton charge to control the situation. A few rally participants were also held for alleged violence.

"Some people were detained as they did not listen to police and tried to assault our personnel. We had to forcefully stop them and ensure that the situation is under control," the officer said.

Accusing state Bharatiya Janata Party President Dilip Ghosh of inciting the rally organisers, district Trinamool Congress presdient Anubrata Mondal said the police action was correct and necessary.

"Dilip Ghosh was supposed to attend this rally. He did not come himself but tried to incite the locals from Kolkata. These tactics won't work in Birbhum," Mondal said.

"Police had no objections initially but asked the rally not to enter the Madrasa road. They did not listen to police. The rally was totally disorganised. I think what police has done is correct," he added.

IANS