Kolkata: An assistant sub-inspector of police from Jamuria police station in West Burdwan and two civic volunteers suffered critical injuries when they went to Sripur area on Monday night after a clash broke out between the members of a Puja committee and locals.
It was learnt that a local Puja committee took out a procession for the immersion of idols at around 10 pm.
When the procession was passing through Sripur area the Puja organisers were playing loud music. Some locals urged the Puja committee members to lower the volume. This made the Puja organisers angry and they got involved in a heated altercation with the locals.
A clash soon broke out between the two groups leaving some people injured from both the sides. The incident turned violent when some locals attacked the Puja organizers with iron rod and bamboo sticks. After being informed police reached the spot to pacify the mob. The locals pelted stones at police personnel.
Assistant sub-inspector Ashwin Mondal and two civic volunteers were attacked with iron rods. They received injuries on various body parts including their heads.
They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. According to the police, Mondal has serious head injuries and is kept under observation. The injuries of the other two are also stated to be serious.
A huge contingent of police accompanied by combat force rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. There was a mild lathi-charge to disperse the mob.
Some of the locals, however, alleged that when the clash was going on, police personnel played the role of mute spectators as a result of which the situation turned worse.
The district police denied the allegation. They said steps were taken to control the mob but police were attacked.
A police picket was set up in the area on Monday night and a detailed probe has been initiated.