Tension spread in West Bengal’s Asansol on Friday night after violence broke out following a dispute over the volume of a loudspeaker at a mosque in the Jahangir Mohalla area. The incident led to stone pelting, vandalism at a police outpost, and deployment of heavy security in the locality.
According to reports, officers had approached mosque authorities after receiving complaints regarding loudspeaker volume. The police reportedly requested that the sound be reduced, which led to anger among some residents who gathered outside the police station in protest.
The protest later turned violent as a section of the crowd allegedly attacked the police outpost with bricks and stones. Several police and civilian vehicles were damaged during the incident, while visuals from the area showed broken glass and debris scattered across roads.
As the situation worsened, police used lathi-charge and tear gas to bring the crowd under control. Authorities later deployed additional police personnel in and around the area to prevent further violence.
Seven Arrested, Police Say Strict Action Will Be Taken
Police officials confirmed that at least seven people have been arrested in connection with the violence. CCTV footage and video clips are being examined to identify others allegedly involved in vandalism and stone pelting.
Deputy Commissioner of Police PVG Satish of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate said strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.
“The miscreants who attacked and vandalised the police station are being identified through video footage and CCTV. No culprits will be spared, and the strictest legal action will be taken against them,” he said.
Another senior police officer, Dhruba Das, said the unrest began after an argument between groups gathered outside the police outpost. “Police tried to stop the argument, but a section of the crowd pelted stones, causing minor damage to the police facility. We are examining CCTV footage and action will be taken,” he said.
Local Voices Appeal for Peace, Say Entire Community Should Not Be Blamed
Following the violence, some residents appealed for calm and urged authorities and media not to target the entire Muslim community over the actions of a few individuals.
A resident said, “I believe some people made a mistake yesterday, but the burden of that should not be placed on the entire Muslim society. If peaceful and law-abiding citizens are targeted based on religion, caste or locality, where will ordinary Indians go?”
The resident also stressed that those responsible for violence should face punishment. “We fully support the administration in identifying the guilty through CCTV footage and ensuring punishment. But damaging public property, abusing people, and targeting communities is not acceptable under the Constitution,” he said.
He also urged the media to report facts responsibly. “The role of national and local media is to show reality from the ground, not spread propaganda or misinformation,” he added.
Loudspeaker Rules Under Focus in West Bengal
The violence comes amid renewed focus on noise pollution regulations in West Bengal. Authorities across the state have reportedly been holding meetings with religious leaders to ensure compliance with Supreme Court guidelines on loudspeaker use.
Under the guidelines, religious places are required to maintain sound levels within permitted limits, while religious activities cannot block public roads.
Reacting to the issue, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul said noise pollution rules must apply equally to all communities. “You can belong to any religion and organise any programme, but loudspeaker volume must remain within the permitted limit,” she said.
