Local sources claim a rickshaw-puller was killed, but police deny there was firing.

A Facebook post by a local youth on Monday, allegedly hurting minority sentiments, led to a mob attack on a police station in the Ilambazar area of West Bengal’s Birbhum district. Police on Tuesday arrested the youth, Sujan Mukherjee, in connection with the incident. “Mr. Mukherjee posted offensive remarks that hurt minority sentiments,” a senior police official told The Hindu. The police have removed the post.

Soon after the post attracted attention on Tuesday, some locals identified the accused and ransacked his house. Sources said the incident snowballed when a mob attacked the Ilambazar police station following related posts on social media. The mob vandalised the police station, demanding that the accused be handed over to it. The police resorted to firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

However, sources said, later, a large crowd gathered and attacked the police station. The mob also set some vehicles on fire.

Local sources said a rickshaw-puller, identified as Sheikh Rejaul, died in the police firing. However, police claimed that no firing took place.

“There was no firing. The person concerned was injured in a clash and was sent to Kolkata where he succumbed to injuries,” Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Anuj Sharma said.