At least 15 people, including seven police personnel, were injured in a clash in the Howrah Maidan area on Wednesday evening after an Urs procession turned violent. The procession broke through a police cordon, vandalised vehicles and damaged a BJP party office. 

The administration has imposed Section 144 on the area. Among the injured is OC Sandip Pakhira, who received head injuries. Till now, the cops removed nine vehicles that were damaged in the clash. 

As per the information, the cops had to fire several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the radical mob. 

According to the witnesses, the riot began around 8.30 pm and continued for over two and half hours. Around 2,000 Muslims participated in the Urs rally from Hamid Munshi Lane in Tikiapara. The rally proceeded towards Howrah Maidan via Belilious Road despite the Police not permitting them to go beyond a point. 

Tension was visible even on Thursday and Friday in the Maidan area. To maintain peace in the area, extra force has been deployed, and regular route marches were organised there. 

According to the Police, the situation is under control now. Also, drones have been deployed in the area to monitor the situation. 

Ambuj Sharma, former district president of Howrah BJP, said, “Local people resisted the attackers, after which the violent mob targeted our leader Sanjay Singh’s house and started throwing bricks”.