Bombing and alleged firing rock Kulti on Holi, tension grips Karim Dangal

Tension flared in the Kulti area of Asansol on Wednesday during Holi after an incident involving bomb explosions, alleged firing and stone-pelting in the Karim Dangal locality under Ward No. 68 left residents shaken. The violence triggered panic in the neighbourhood, with many locals reporting an atmosphere of fear following the sudden escalation.

According to eyewitness accounts, a group of youths allegedly created a disturbance and vandalised property outside a mosque in the area, including damaging a dustbin placed there. When local residents objected to the act, the confrontation intensified. Within a short span, the situation spiralled into violence, with bomb blasts and stone-pelting reported, along with allegations of gunfire.

Police from Kulti and Barakar police stations rushed to the spot after receiving information. A heavy police deployment has since been put in place, and the situation is being closely monitored to prevent further unrest. Officers are maintaining vigil in the sensitive pockets of the locality.

The incident has triggered political reactions, with the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party trading allegations over the violence. The clash comes at a time when the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal has recently concluded and an announcement of the Assembly election schedule is awaited.

With central forces already deployed in the state and conducting joint route marches with local police in various areas ahead of the elections, the fresh unrest has raised concerns over pre-poll security arrangements. The administration has appealed to residents to maintain peace and not pay heed to rumours.