Large scale violence reportedly took place in a widespread area of Basanti block of South 24 Parganas dist. in West Bengal yesterday.

The dispute reportedly started after some controversial comments by Kashem Siddiki, an imam/maulavi of Furfura Sharif mosque, who was returning from a program at Shibganj. Siddiki’s group stopped at Palbari to buy some biscuits. There the controversy started.

Hindus actively protested his comments and the ensuing violence spread over many areas. Large scale looting and destruction of houses and properties took place. Hindu Samhati worker Swapan Mandal’s house and shop were attacked, damaged and looted; his brother’s motorcycle was also damaged. Few other properties, belonging to both Hindus and Muslims, were damaged.

There is massive police deployment in the area. Two Hindu boys have been arrested from Kultali mor.

(As per ground reports from Hindu Samhati team)

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