In open defiance of legal restrictions and court directives, a procession before Ram Navami, scheduled to be celebrated on Sunday, was organised on Saturday afternoon in Kolkata’s adjoining Howrah district with youths marching through the streets brandishing swords, knives, axes, and lances
The incident at Rajganj area has raised serious concerns about disregard for judicial orders.
The procession, organised to bring a statue of Ramchandra from Rajganj to the Manikpur in a horse-drawn chariot, was accompanied by loud DJ music and featured devotees dancing alongside armed youths. Several saints also participated in the event.
Despite the Calcutta High Court’s clear directive prohibiting processions involving metal weapons or sharp objects, visuals from the event showed open violation of this order. The local administration, while deploying a significant police force around the area, admitted that the legal mandate was flouted.
According to the organisers, they did not instruct anyone to bring weapons. “It is a long-standing tradition during Ram Navami, and some individuals brought the weapons on their own,” said one of the organisers.
However, such claims have done little to address the legal breach, as the use of weapons and DJ music had been specifically banned by the court for two processions in Howrah.
The state BJP has weighed in on the matter. “We are aware of the court’s ruling. But if people of other religions can march with weapons, then Hindus should also seek legal recourse for their rights,” said a BJP leader.
Saturday’s events have further heightened the concerns of the state police. Nabanna, the state secretariat has identified 10 sensitive police districts and commissionerates.
As a precautionary measure, the leave of all police personnel has been canceled from April 2 to 9. In Kolkata alone, over 3,000 police officers will be deployed across 59 processions. Strategic locations such as Entally, Picnic Garden, Kashipur, Hastings, and Central Avenue will be under special surveillance.
The administration is also planning to monitor the processions through CCTV cameras, drone footage, LiveU technology for real-time monitoring, and rooftop surveillance. Motorcycle patrols, pickets, and intelligence units will be ready to respond to any untoward incident.
Lalbazar police headquarters issued a strict warning that any deviation from approved routes or unauthorised processions will face immediate legal action.
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