Violence erupts at North 24 Pgs as protesters block NH-12 over derogatory post of Islamic religious leader

Tension flared at Amdanga’s Sonadanga More on Saturday morning as protesters blocked National Highway 12 demanding the immediate arrest of an individual accused of making derogatory comments and sharing a cartoon of an Islamic religious leader on social media. The protesters warned of launching a larger movement if the accused was not arrested promptly. As police reached the site to remove the blockade, violent clashes erupted, including vandalism of police vehicles, bomb attacks, and police baton charges.

According to sources, several police personnel went missing amid the clashes. A large police contingent led by the Superintendent of Police is trying to enter the area but is facing resistance due to continuous bomb attacks by protesters. Blockades have spread across various points of National Highway 34, causing major traffic disruptions. Protesters have been actively obstructing roads, while police forces from multiple stations across North 24 Parganas, including ICs and officers, have been deployed to manage the situation.

Local MLA Rafiqul Rahman condemned the incident and demanded strict action regarding the Amdanga violence. Meanwhile, police operations to regain control of the area are ongoing amid repeated tensions. Efforts to clear blockades and restore normalcy are continuing, but sporadic incidents of violence are making it difficult for law enforcement to establish complete control.