Kolkata Police have refused permission to the Hindu organisation Anjani Putra Sena for conducting their Ram Navami Shobha Yatra on April 6 along the requested route, citing security concerns and previous violations of court directives.
The authorities highlighted that during last year’s procession on April 17, the group breached multiple Calcutta High Court stipulations, notably exceeding the participant limit of 200 individuals. Reports indicate that the rally attracted an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 participants throughout its duration. Additionally, the use of DJ sound systems was noted as a violation of the court’s orders.
In light of these concerns, Howrah Police have proposed two alternative routes for this year’s procession: one commencing from Ram Raja Mandir Road to Mahendra Bhattacharya Road, and another from Netaji Subhash Road to Malik Fateh Mor and Avani Mall near Bhagwan Narsingh Temple, proceeding to MG Road and Howrah Maidan via Jagat Banerjee Ghat Road.
Anjani Putra Sena has expressed its intention to challenge the police’s decision in the Calcutta High Court, seeking approval for their originally planned route.
The backdrop to this development includes incidents of communal violence during Ram Navami processions in Howrah over the past few years. In response, the West Bengal Police Headquarters has implemented stringent guidelines, prohibiting the use of DJs and motorcycles in processions. Additionally, the state’s Additional Director General , Javed Shamim, has announced increased police deployment in Howrah from April 2 to April 9, with officers’ leave cancelled during this period to ensure heightened security.
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