Ram Navami: clashes in Howrah; vehicles torched; riot police deployed

New Delhi: Severe clashes took the stage during Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal's Howrah. The clash broke out between two groups just after a Ram Navami procession passed. Many vehicles were set on fire, shops were ransacked, stones were thrown, and one police van was also got destroyed. Heavy police troops were deployed in the area, including a riot control force.

The riots started when a Ram Navami procession passed through a Kazipara locality. After many cars, including a few vehicles, were damaged during the violence, security forces were forced to fire tear gas shells to control the situation.

After the clash, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the rioters were the enemies of the country and said that those behind the violent incidents would not be spared. He attacked BJP saying that the party always targeted Howrah and its other targets are Park Circus and Islampur. She requested people not to get provoked. She requested that those who do the processions must do it peacefully and don't try to create violence.

She was speaking at a satyagraha held in Kolkata against the central government's policies, including the Centre slashing funds to the MGNREGA scheme.

On Monday, the BJP came out criticising the Trinamool Congress for holding a protest on Ram Navami. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari came forward criticising that people who believe in Sanadhana Dharma will celebrate Ram Navami, but Mamata Banerjee has called for protests on the day of celebration.

Earlier in Gujarat's Vadodara, too, there was a clash during Ram Navami celebrations. Maharashtra's Aurangabad also witnessed violence, such as vehicle burning.