If cops are incapable, use other forces: HC to Mamata govt

Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the West Bengal government to use other forces at call in affected areas if the State police are "incapable" of handling the situation in connection with the Ram Navami violence.

The court advised the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government to take assistance from other forces if the cops are not able to curb the violence. The court has observed that the government must accord the security of the common people as its top priority.

The court also sought to know what steps the State government is taking to ensure peace and harmony in the State given the upcoming Hanuman Jayanti.

Communal clash had erupted in Rishra area of the city on Sunday night when the Ram Navami procession was attacked by some radical elements, following which the police clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC and blocked internet services in the affected area.

The Bench had on Monday directed the State government to file a comprehensive report on April 5 on incidents of violence at Shibpur in Howrah city and inform about the steps taken to ensure peace in the affected area.

The Bench had also directed the State government to submit CCTV footages and video clips related to the incidents of violence. The police were directed by the court to make adequate deployment as required.

Monday's order came on a PIL by senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari seeking an NIA investigation into the violence at Shibpur alleging that bombs were hurled during the violence, and he also prayed for the deployment of Central forces for ensuring security in Shibpur.

Advocate-General S.N. Mookherjee, representing the State, had, however, claimed before the court that the situation at Shibpur is under control.