Barasat tense after idol at 40-year-old Basanti Puja pandal found half-burnt, road blocked by protesters

A partially burnt idol was discovered early Saturday morning behind a Basanti Puja pandal in the Bargam Kachhari Bari area under Gobardanga police station. The festival had been organised by Agradoot Sangh Club, which has held the event annually for the past forty years. Local residents living near the club first noticed flames and found that part of the idol had been damaged by fire. The idol was left at the site in a charred condition.

Following the incident, unrest spread through the area, and locals gathered at the Bargam Kachhari Bari crossing. They blocked the road for approximately 40 minutes in protest. Police officials, including the SDPO of Habra, IC of Habra, and the acting OC of Gobardanga Police Station, reached the location soon after receiving information. A large police force was deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

Police have begun an investigation to determine who was behind the act, which took place during the night. The Gobardanga police station is examining the possibility of intentional damage and is collecting information from nearby residents and reviewing the area. No arrests had been reported till the time of filing.