After violence during Holi, internet suspended in West Bengal's Birbhum
What's the story
West Bengal's Birbhum district is on the boil after violent clashes broke out between two groups during Holi celebrations.
The state government has suspended internet services and deployed a huge contingent of security forces to the area to maintain law and order.
More than 20 people have been detained in connection with the incident, police said.
Incident details
Clashes during Holi celebrations
The violence broke out in Sainthia town on Friday, following an argument between a group of people and some individuals who were intoxicated.
The situation escalated to stone-pelting and physical fights, injuring several locals.
Police intervened with a mild lathi charge to control the situation.
In the wake of the violence, the Bengal Home Department suspended internet and voice-over-internet facilities in five Gram Panchayat areas of Sainthia till March 17, to check rumor-mongering and illegal activities.
Political reactions
BJP criticizes Mamata Banerjee-led government over violence
Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar slammed the Mamata Banerjee government over the law and order situation in Birbhum.
He cited the earlier cases when Trinamool leaders were arrested with gelatin sticks, and explosives were recovered in the district.
"The government has turned Birbhum into a blast factory," ANI quoted Majumdar as saying.