One person was killed after a mob attacked a police station and damaged vehicles in Illambazar and Dubrajpur areas of Birbhum district, West Bengal, on Tuesday. The Indian Express said the Muslim mob was protesting after a college student reportedly put up an “objectionable post” on Facebook. NDTV reported that Sujan Mukherjee, was arrested and taken to Ilambazar police station. A Bolpur court remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days.
The mob on Tuesday had demanded that police hand Mukherjee over to them, and attacked the station, before setting fire to vehicles and blockading NH60. Security forces used teargas to disperse the mob. However, Superintendent of Police Mukhesh Kumar said the situation was under control and that large numbers of security forces had been deployed in the area, including Rapid Action Forces. Coincidentally, paramilitary forces have also reached West Bengal ahead of security-building for the upcoming elections in the state.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!