Howrah limping back to normalcy even as Section 144 in place

After fresh incidents of stone pelting in Howrah's Kazipara on Friday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor C V Ananda Bose reviewed the situation and prohibitory orders imposed besides increasing riot police deployment in the area.

In the latest video clips shared by news agency ANI from Shibpur in Howrah which was affected by 'Rama Navami' related violence and arson, things seem to be coming back to normalcy although heavy security has been deployed in the area.

"I want to tell the public that there is no need to be scared, the situation is under control and is normal now. 38 people arrested, 2 cases registered. Section 144 imposed in few areas, area domination exercise being conducted by Police to build confidence in people," ANI quoted the Howrah CP in a tweet.

Violence broke out on Thursday evening between two groups when a Ram Navami procession was taken out in the twin city of Howrah. Several vehicles, including some belonging to the police, were torched and shops and auto-rickshaws were ransacked during the violence.

However, a fresh stone pelting incident was reported on Friday. A number of local people locked themselves inside houses while shops and markets were closed. Vehicular movement was disrupted following the incident of stone pelting.

A number of local people locked themselves inside houses while shops and markets were closed. Vehicular movement was disrupted following the incident of stone pelting.

At least three policemen were injured in the brick batting and they are undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, the officer said.

The police also used loudspeakers asking locals not to loiter in the area.

On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dialled the West Bengal Governor to enquire about the security situation in the town situated across the Hooghly river opposite Kolkata.

A press statement from Raj Bhavan said Governor Bose asked the state government to "ensure fool proof arrangements to maintain law and order effectively" besides action to be taken "against miscreants." The governor also said those who resort to violence under the illusion that they can hoodwink the people will soon realise they are in a fool's paradise.

"There will be effective and concerted action to book the culprits and bring them before the law. Setting fire to public property, that too on the sacred Ram Navami day, is a highly provocative act and will be viewed seriously," he said.

Raj Bhavan will keep its eyes and ears open to ensure protection to the life, property and dignity of the common man, Bose said.

During the telephonic conversation with Bose, the union home minister sought to know the prevailing situation in the state, particularly in the violence-hit areas of Howrah.

However, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the BJP along with other right-wing organisations was responsible for Thursday's violence in Howrah.

Following the violence in Howrah during Ram Navami celebrations, the West Bengal government on Friday handed over the probe to Criminal Investigation Department (CID). A special team led by Inspector General of Police, CID Sunil Choudhury has initiated the investigation.