Govt suspends internet services in Hooghly after fresh clashes erupt during BJP Shobha yatra

The state administration ordered the immediate suspension of internet services in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Sunday evening, hours after arson and communal violence erupted.

The state government issued prohibitive measures following the confrontations reported during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Shobha yatra on Sunday evening. Internet services in the Hooghly area will be suspended until 10 p.m. Monday, according to a state government directive.

“No restriction is being imposed on voice calls and SMS and on newspapers hence communication and dissemination of knowledge and information is not stopped in any way,” the state government’s order added.

It further said, “In order to prevent obstruction, annoyance or injury to any person lawfully employed, or danger to human life, health or safety or a disturbance of the public tranquillity, or a riot or an affray, through an order under section 5 (2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, it is promulgated that.”
Fresh clashes and stone pelting erupted during the BJP Shobha yatra in Hooghly on Sunday evening.

Earlier in the day, numerous vehicles were set on fire in Howrah when two groups clashed during Ram Navami celebrations. Rioters destroyed public and private property and set fire to vehicles during the parade.

Following the violence in Howrah during Ram Navami celebrations, the West Bengal government handed over the investigation to the Criminal Investigation Department on Friday (CID). The probe has been launched by a special team led by Inspector General of Police, CID Sunil Choudhury.