Authorities suspended internet services in West Bengal's Birbhum district until March 17 following violent clashes between two groups in Sainthia town. The prohibitory order was issued by the West Bengal Home and Hill Affairs Department on Friday under the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The government order stated that internet services will remain suspended until 8 AM on March 17 to ensure peace and prevent further escalation. The order cited concerns over the possibility of "rumours for unlawful activities" spreading through digital communication. However, voice calls and SMS services remain unaffected.
The restrictions cover Sainthia town and nearby areas, including Hatora Gram Panchayat (GP), Mathpalsa GP, Harisara GP, Dariyapur GP and Fulur GP, all under the jurisdiction of the Sainthia police station. Authorities have urged citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation and assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the violence.
The violence reportedly broke out on Friday during Holi celebrations when an argument escalated between a group of locals and some intoxicated individuals. The dispute soon turned into a violent clash, with both sides throwing stones and engaging in physical fights. Several people sustained injuries before the police intervened with a mild lathicharge to bring the situation under control.
In response to the clashes, a large contingent of security forces has been deployed in Sainthia and surrounding areas. Additional forces have also been stationed in Birbhum following reports of sporadic stone-pelting incidents. Police have detained over 20 people in connection with the violence and investigations are ongoing.
BJP Attacks Govt Over Law And Order
The internet suspension and clashes in Birbhum have sparked political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticising Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in the state.
West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order. "Birbhum has turned into a blast factory under the TMC government. We have seen such incidents earlier when a TMC leader was caught with gelatin sticks, and an NIA probe is still ongoing," Majumdar said, referring to previous incidents of illegal explosives being found in the state.
BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul also condemned the violence, questioning why such clashes often occur during Hindu festivals. "Why does violence take place during Hindu festivals? Who is behind these incidents, and why is the administration silent? The Mamata Banerjee government is engaging in appeasement politics," Paul alleged.