Communal violence, vandalism rock Kolkata's outskirts

Communal tension broke out in Maheshtala, hardly 15 km from the heart of Kolkata, on Tuesday after a reported incident of temple vandalism led to clashes between two communities.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

The violence took place near the Rabindranagar Police Station in the Budge Budge area.

According to local sources, the clash began after a person was stopped from setting up a fruit shop on the land belonging to a local Shiva temple. This led to a group allegedly vandalising parts of the temple, triggering outrage among local residents. In the violence that followed, stones were pelted.

The clash then escalated as the mob attacked police with stones and bricks, and vandalised several vehicles and shops in the area. At least four police officers, including the senior-most police officer, Deputy Commissioner Harikrishna Pai, sustained injuries. The Deputy Commissioner received three stitches on his forehead and was admitted to a private hospital for observation and treatment.

To control the situation, police pushed in additional forces and resorted to lathicharge and fired tear gas shells. A Rapid Action Force (RAF) team was also deployed to restore peace in the area.