Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar detained enroute to Beldanga
What's the story
Sukanta Majumdar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president in West Bengal, was detained by police near Krishnanagar on Wednesday.
He was on his way to Beldanga in Murshidabad district, an area that recently witnessed violent clashes.
The violence left at least 17 injured and prompted authorities to impose prohibitory orders and suspend internet services.
Detention criticism
Majumdar criticizes detention, accuses police of law violation
Majumdar was stopped on the grounds of imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), with police fearing his visit could disturb peace in Beldanga.
However, he slammed the move, saying he was detained 70km away from where Section 163 was imposed.
"They arrested us from such a place where there was no Section 163 (BNSS) implemented," he said.
Accusations voiced
Majumdar accuses Banerjee's regime of damaging social fabric
Majumdar accused the police of breaking the law and alleged that "raising the voice of Hindus has become the biggest crime under Mamata Banerjee's rule in Bengal."
He further claimed that Banerjee's regime is damaging Bengal's social fabric.
He also criticized the police for their alleged inaction during clashes and claimed they failed to prevent violence against Hindus.
Probe demand
BJP demands NIA probe, governor seeks report on violence
Two groups in Beldanga clashed on Saturday night over an objectionable message on a display board at a temporary gate set up for Kartik Puja.
The incident led in minor injuries, destruction of shops and houses, with police resorting to a lathi charge to disperse the crowds.
During the protests, a police vehicle was also targeted.
The BJP has demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the violence in Beldanga.