Hanuman Jayanti procession in Birbhum turns violent as police, supporters clash

KOLKATA: A procession in support of Hanuman Jayanti in Birbhum district's Suri area turned violent on Tuesday when supporters clashed with police personnel.The day before, the district police had refused to grant permission for the Hanuman Jayanti procession. Following this, BJP and RSS leaders reportedly instructed their cadres not to join any procession.But on Tuesday morning, a huge cavalcade started from Suri. Almost 5,000 bike-borne young men rallied with saffron flags in hand,chanting 'Jai Shree Ram'.Police quicly intervened and stopped the procession at Suri Bus stand. When supporters attemted to break through the barricade, police resorted to lathicharge against them. Eight people were injured in the ensuing melee and the RAF was called in to control the situation.After backing down for a some time, the mob returned and attacked the police, before entering the city. When last reports came in, the police had managed to halt the mob at Sainthia and the police superintendent has requested the supporters to call off the procession.While the members of the procession were carrying saffron flags, no BJP or Rss leaders were seen nearby.A similar incident also happened in Howrah district recently.