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2mo ago

Internet Suspended in West Bengal’s Birbhum Following Violent Clashes During Holi

Authorities imposed a four-day internet shutdown in Sainthia town to prevent the spread of rumors after group clashes escalated into violence.

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The internet shutdown is in effect in Bengal's Birbhum from March 14 to March 17.
Internet and VoIP have been suspended in Saithia town and five other village panchayats including Hatora, Mathpalsa, Harisara, Dariyapur and Fulur from March 14 to 8 am of March 17. (Representational image)

Overview

  • The West Bengal government suspended internet and voice-over-internet telephony services in five Gram Panchayat areas of Sainthia town from March 14 to March 17.
  • The internet ban was implemented to curb the spread of rumors and prevent unlawful activities following violent clashes during Holi celebrations.
  • The clashes reportedly began as a verbal altercation between two groups, escalating into stone-pelting and physical confrontations, with some individuals injured.
  • Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari criticized the government, calling the internet suspension a failure to maintain law and order and accusing the administration of hiding communal tensions.
  • Security forces have been deployed in the affected areas to restore order, and the government clarified that voice calls, SMS, and newspapers remain unaffected by the restrictions.