kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The day after violent clashes rocked the outskirts of Kolkata, the situation remains tense but under control as West Bengal Police confirmed the arrest of at least 40 individuals in connection with the unrest. Authorities have also registered seven First Information Reports (FIRs) and deployed additional forces to prevent any further flare-ups in the affected areas.

which broke out in the Rajarhat and Barasat regions on Wednesday evening, stemmed from a heated confrontation between two local groups during a religious procession. What initially appeared to be a minor dispute quickly escalated into a large-scale street brawl, with stones hurled, shops vandalized, and vehicles torched. Residents reported hearing loud noises and seeing thick plumes of smoke fill the skyline, as mobs clashed for hours before police managed to intervene.

Locals say the conflict had been simmering for days over territorial disputes and political rivalry between rival factions, allegedly backed by different parties. Tensions reached a boiling point during the procession, with provocative slogans and confrontations triggering widespread chaos. Multiple people were injured in the melee, including several police officers who were deployed to bring the situation under control.

The police, acting swiftly under the supervision of senior officers, imposed Section 144 in parts of the affected zones late Wednesday night. Large gatherings were prohibited, and surveillance was intensified with drone patrols and increased checkpoints. Internet services were briefly suspended in some localities to prevent the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal addressed the media on Thursday morning, stating, “We have arrested 40 individuals so far and are conducting further raids. No one involved in the violence will be spared, irrespective of political affiliations. Law and order will be maintained at all costs.” Goyal also confirmed that seven FIRs had been filed against individuals on charges ranging from rioting and unlawful assembly to damage to public property and assaulting public servants.

The state administration, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has taken note of the incident and ordered an internal review. “I have asked the Home Department to submit a full report on what led to the violence,” said Banerjee while speaking at a public event. “We will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize peace in West Bengal. Those responsible will be dealt with strictly, no matter who they are.”

opposition parties have used the incident to criticize the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of failing to curb lawlessness and political factionalism. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said, “This violence is the result of TMC’s patronage to criminal elements. The people of Bengal are suffering because of unchecked hooliganism.”

Civic and community leaders have urged restraint from all sides and called for peace. Local NGOs have stepped in to help affected families, some of whom lost property in the clashes. “People are scared to leave their homes,” said a social worker from the area. “Shops are shut, schools are closed, and the atmosphere is tense.”

Police continue to monitor the area closely, with flag marches being conducted to reassure residents. Intelligence units are also probing the possible role of external instigators in fanning the violence. Officials believe more arrests may follow as CCTV footage and witness testimonies are reviewed.

Though calm has returned for now, the scars of the violence are fresh, and the residents are hoping that the authorities will not only bring the culprits to justice but also ensure such incidents do not repeat. For the people living on Kolkata’s edges, peace remains the most urgent demand.