A tense atmosphere spread across several parts of West Bengal’s Asansol late on Friday night, 15th May, after violence broke out in the Kasai Mohalla area following a dispute linked to loudspeaker volume during prayers at temples and mosques. What reportedly began as an awareness drive by the police over sound control soon spiralled into a major law and order situation after rumours spread through the locality claiming that Friday night namaz was being stopped.

The unrest quickly turned violent near the Kasai/Jahangiri Mohalla police outpost, where a large crowd gathered and allegedly attacked security personnel. The situation escalated rapidly as stones were hurled at police officers and the police outpost itself came under attack. Vehicles parked near the area were also damaged during the chaos, leaving the locality gripped with fear and uncertainty.

Stone Pelting and Vandalism Throw Area Into Panic

According to local reports, the trouble began after police officials visited religious places in the area and requested that loudspeaker volumes remain under permissible limits. The drive was reportedly part of a wider administrative instruction being carried out in the Railpar region concerning sound levels during religious activities at both temples and mosques.

However, tensions rose sharply after rumours started circulating that the police were attempting to prevent Friday prayers. As word spread through the locality, anger grew among sections of the crowd. Soon, the situation slipped out of control.

A violent mob allegedly surrounded the police outpost near Kasai Mohalla and launched an attack. Heavy stone pelting was reported from the area, forcing police personnel to take defensive positions. The attackers also vandalised the outpost and damaged nearby vehicles, creating panic among local residents.

Eyewitnesses said the locality witnessed complete chaos for a period of time as security personnel struggled to control the rapidly growing crowd. Shops in nearby lanes reportedly shut down as fear spread across the neighbourhood. Residents remained indoors while clashes continued on the streets.

As the violence intensified, police and central forces intervened to disperse the crowd. Officials carried out a lathi charge and later used tear gas shells in an effort to bring the situation under control. Several people were detained following the violence, though authorities have not yet disclosed the exact number of arrests made in connection with the incident.

Security arrangements across the locality were significantly tightened after the clashes. Additional police personnel and central security forces were deployed in sensitive pockets to prevent any fresh outbreak of violence.

Rumours Around Friday Namaz Fuelled The Violence

Krishnendu Mukherjee said that the police had visited the local mosque only to request that loudspeaker sound during prayers remain restricted within the mosque premises and comply with administrative guidelines.

According to him, discussions between police officials and members of the mosque committee were proceeding peacefully when rumours suddenly spread claiming that the police were attempting to stop the namaz entirely. The rumour reportedly triggered anger among the crowd gathered nearby.

Soon after this, the muslim mob allegedly turned violent and began attacking the police outpost, leading to the clashes that later spread through the area.

Reports further stated that police had been carrying out administrative instructions regarding loudspeaker noise control at religious places across the Railpar area. The awareness exercise reportedly included both temples and mosques as part of broader sound regulation measures.

Massive Security Deployment After Clashes

Following the outbreak of violence, senior police officials rushed to the area along with additional reinforcements. Central security personnel were also deployed in large numbers to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation.

Authorities later stated that the situation had been brought under control, though tension continued to remain in several pockets of the locality through the night.

Deputy Commissioner of Police V.G. Satish Pasumarthi said that officials are now using CCTV footage from the area to identify those involved in the violence and vandalism.

“Now the situation is under control. Everything is under police control, and there is no issue. We are identifying all the CCTV footage that has been found, and legal action will be taken against all those involved,” he said.