Tensions escalated in Ranirbazar on Thursday as a large number of locals from the Durganagar area blocked National Highway-8 to protest the arrest of five suspects linked to recent violence following the defacement of a Kali idol. The protestors criticized the police’s actions and demanded the immediate release of the detained individuals, who were taken into custody late last night for interrogation regarding the incident.
The road blockade, which caused significant disruption to traffic and daily life in the area, drew a strong response from one of the agitators, who argued that the five persons were wrongly detained. He claimed that the main culprits responsible for vandalizing the idol had not been arrested and demanded their punishment, threatening to intensify the protest if the detained individuals were not released immediately.
In response to the escalating situation, Majlishpur MLA and Minister Sushanta Chowdhury rushed to the scene, urging the agitators to withdraw the blockade. The minister emphasized that the police were doing their duty and assured that further actions would be taken in accordance with the law. He also cautioned that such unlawful protests could tarnish the image of the Chief Minister and the government.
Superintendent of Police for West District, Dr. Kiran Kumar, who was present at the site with a large contingent of police and TSR jawans, stated that the arrests were made based on available information and that further arrests were expected. Following the minister’s intervention and his assurance to prioritize the matter, the agitators eventually agreed to withdraw the blockade.
