Howrah Violence: Calcutta HC directs WB govt to submit report, CCTV footage

After BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari filed a PIL in the Calcutta High Court demanding that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe the violence in West Bengal's Howrah during the Ram Navami celebrations and immediate deployment of central forces in the violence-hit areas, the High Court in Kolkata on Monday, April 3, ordered the Mamata Banerjee-led state government to submit the report and CCTV footage before the next hearing.

The Calcutta High Court directed the state government to submit the report by April 5. The court observed that the police should ensure that the situation in the state remains normal even while opening schools and colleges. Notably, the next hearing is scheduled for April 6.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari filed a public interest litigation in the Calcutta High Court on March 31 regarding the incidents of violence and attack on Ram Navami processions in Howrah and Dalkhola.

Talking to media persons in Howrah, the BJP leader said, "The police are not doing their job. They are silent spectators. They are not doing anything. All the houses of Hindus have been vandalized. All Hindus in Kazipara area had to flee to save their lives."

“I will meet the injured and then I will meet the Commissioner of Police (CP). CP refused to meet me. I was looking for a 4pm appointment but he said the question doesn't even arise - the Chief Minister has given instructions. But I will go there and take a CD of yesterday's incidents with me,” Adhikari added.

Violence erupted in Howrah near Kolkata during Ram Navami celebrations on March 30. Vehicles were set on fire and shops in the area were looted. Several police officers were deployed and more than 45 people were detained.