Ram Navami violence: Sec 144 imposed, internet suspended in Howrah; Clashes in Bihar

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Friday issued a strong statement condemning the violence that broke out in Bengal districts during Ram Navami celebrations.

"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," the Bengal Governor said.

"Trouble makers and abettors will be made to realise that they cannot play Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde in Bengal anymore. Police should be objective, strong and fair, and should not let down their masters and the peace-loving people," he added.

"The Governor and the Chief Minister had a confidential discussion to review the situation. The State Government was directed to ensure that fool-proof arrangements are made to maintain law and order effectively and action taken against miscreants firmly. The Chief Minister assured that strict and decisive action will be taken to prevent recurrence of such criminal intimidation," read Raj Bhavan statement.

"Close on heels of this, the home secretary called on the governor and assured compliance. Governor called for a compliance report in the matter. Governor ordered real time monitoring of the situation by Raj Bhavan and constituted a special cell for the same," the statement added.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under section 144 have been imposed in violence-hit Howrah. Internet services have been suspended in some areas within the jurisdiction of Howrah Town, Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate and Barrackpore Police Commissionerate till 2 am Saturday in the wake of violence.

West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar has demanded NIA probe over Howrah violence.

"This whole violence has been orchestrated by Mamata Banerjee. She has done this to retain her Muslim votes because her Muslim vote bank was diminishing in the by-election. I have written a letter to HM Amit Shah demanding an NIA inquiry into the violence on Ram Navami in Howrah. Amit Shah spoke to me over phone and assured me that he will monitor the causes of this entire violence," Majundar said.

Violence in Sarasam, Nalanda

A few Police personnel sustained injuries as they tried to control the situation when clashes broke out between two groups in Sasaram. Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in the city.

Shahabad DIG Naveen Chandra Jha said the situation is under control in Sasaram. "Tension had erupted here. SP, DM and other officials of the district are here," he said.

"No, it is false. Nothing like that happened," he said when asked about reports of Police personnel shot during Sasaram violence.

Also, stone pelting and arson of vehicles also occurred near Gagan Diwan under Laheri Police Station area in Nalanda. Police and administration officials were present at the spot, ANI reported.