West Bengal: 1 killed, four injured during Ram Navami procession after locals, police clash in Purulia

One person was killed and four others injured following clashes between locals and the police during a Ram Navami procession in Beldi village in Purulia, West Bengal, on Sunday, according to several media reports.

News18 reported that the Bajrang Dal held a Ram Navami rally in the area and were armed. The report added that no permission was granted for the rally.

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The ruling Trinamool Congress and the Opposition BJP organised rallies and processions to celebrate Ram Navami in various parts of West Bengal, with the saffron party dubbing these rallies as the first step towards "uniting the Hindus" of Bengal.

The TMC, in a bid to counter the rallies by the BJP and Sangh affiliates, took out colourful processions and organised Ram puja in various parts of the state. They said, "BJP won't be able to use Ram Navami as an excuse to divide the people". 

Ram Mandir Mahotsav Samiti also took out a procession in Siliguri, where people were seen brandishing swords, ANI further reported.

Claiming that Ram Navami has become a social festival in West Bengal, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said the magnitude of the celebration marks the victory of their Hindutva agenda.

Sinha welcomed the TMC rallies, claiming that the ruling party had to finally bow their heads and acknowledge the importance of the Hindu population in Bengal.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee last week directed the police not to permit any organisation to hold processions displaying arms during Ram Navami, barring those that had been doing so for a long time.

With inputs from agencies