Guv visits Asansol, urges people to maintain peace

Kolkata: Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi on Saturday held an hour-long meeting with senior police personnel and administrative officials to take stock of the situation at violence-hit Asansol.

Earlier in the day, the administrative officials briefed the Governor about the present situation. Tripathi also urged people to maintain peace and harmony.

"I had a meeting with the officials over the situation. Peace is of paramount importance and hence, I appeal to the people here to maintain peace and harmony. I have come here with a message of peace. Peace and tranquillity should be maintained," Tripathi told the media during his visit in the area.

It may be mentioned that violence broke out last Monday leading to the death of one person. Two police officers suffered serious injuries when clashes broke out between two groups over a Ram Navami procession in Raniganj area of Bardhaman West.

Several shops and houses were vandalized and set ablaze during the clashes.

The violence later spread to Asansol areas, prompting police to impose Section 144 of the CrPC in trouble-torn Asansol and Raniganj.

Internet services were also suspended as a preventive measure to check the spread of violence.

Senior police officers were deployed at the spot and route march was conducted at various pockets. Around 19 people have been arrested so far for fomenting trouble.

Deputy Commissioner of

Police (DCP) Arindam Dutta Chowdhury who suffered severe bomb injuries after his right hand was blown off has been successfully operated upon at a hospital in Coimbatore on Friday. His condition is stable now. His hand would be normal in a year's time, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told reporters at Nabanna on Saturday.

When asked about the Governor's visit to the trouble-hit areas, Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee stated that the Governor has done whatever he considered appropriate and meaningful at this hour.

It was also learnt from Nabanna sources that the state government would not allow the BJP delegation that is scheduled to visit Asansol on Sunday, particularly after the announcement of Panchayat elections on Saturday.