Prophet Remark Row: Train Services Hit, Compartments Vandalised In Fresh Bengal Violence

Pic courtesy India Today

Kolkata: Train services were disrupted as fresh violence broke out in West Bengal on Sunday during a protest against controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad by now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

According to reports in local TV channels, protesters attacked and vandalised a local train at Bethuadahari station in Nadia district. A part of the station was set on fire, as were bikes and cycles in the area. They also pelted stones targeting the train and the station.

As protesters disrupted train services on the Lalgola section, passengers were stuck in the mayhem. Some of them were injured as they wanted to flee.

Local people came out to counter the protesters, leading to clashes. Police had a tough time to disperse the two groups.

The last two days saw widespread violence and clashes in Howrah district, while there were also reports of incidents from North 24 Parganas and Murshidabad districts.

Internet services in a number of areas in Howrah and some other districts remained suspended to stop the spread of misinformation.

Around 60 people have been arrested while top police officers of Howrah have been replaced.

The state government’s steps, however, are yet to bring the situation under total control.