Kolkata Police have addressed recent disturbances in West Port, clarifying that social media reports about vandalism at a Kali temple or puja mandap are inaccurate. Officials stated that the unrest stemmed from a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case, with tensions escalating between groups connected to the victim and the accused. The situation intensified when some individuals began throwing stones and causing minor damage in the area.
Police intervened promptly, dispersing the crowd and safeguarding the nearby Kali Puja pandal from further harm. Authorities emphasized that “false claims can unnecessarily heighten tensions and distract from the real issue, which is the safety and justice for a child who was reportedly sexually assaulted. ” The accused in the POCSO case was quickly apprehended following the report. Meanwhile, for Kali Puja 2024, Mamata Banerjee offered prayers at her Kalighat residence in Kolkata.
The social media claim about the West Port incident misrepresents the facts. The narrative of vandalism at a Kali temple or puja mandap is misleading and unsubstantiated. (1/4)
— Kolkata Police (@KolkataPolice) November 2, 2024
Spreading false claims only fuels unnecessary tensions and diverts attention from the actual issue where a child was sexually assaulted by an accused who was swiftly arrested as soon as the information was received by West Port PS. (4/4)
— Kolkata Police (@KolkataPolice) November 2, 2024