Siliguri: Two battalions of RAF were deployed at Siliguri's Jyoti Nagar after violence erupted between two groups during Charak festival. Police said the conflict appeared to stem from a rumour.
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According to locals, verbal exchanges between two groups when priests and devotees were en route to a river for ritual bathing escalated into the clash. Stone-pelting damaged windows of several houses. Two devotees — Manish Sarkar and Kartik Sarkar — were assaulted and admitted to Siliguri District Hospital, said councillor Vivek Singh.
A large contingent of police led by CP C Sudhakar, DCP (West) BC Thakur, DCP (Headquarters) Tanmay Sarkar, and ACPs, arrived shortly. Riot police and RAF were deployed, and the area was brought under control after extensive patrolling. "The situation is now stable. Security has been heightened for the upcoming Charak Puja celebrations, and we urge residents not to heed rumours," Sudhakar said.
Deputy mayor Ranjan Sarkar visited the area to take stock of the situation. "Every neighbourhood has some troublemakers. The police are handling the matter, and those responsible will face action," said Sarkar.