Pro-Pak post sparks violence in West Bengal, cops hurt

KOLKATA: At least three police personnel were injured — one of them seriously — after violent clashes broke out at Barasat in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district late Tuesday, following a viral social media post allegedly expressing support for Pakistan and opposing India.

The accused, Nazir Hossain, was arrested for allegedly uploading the post on Facebook. Thirteen others were also taken into custody for instigating violence and assaulting cops during the protest.

Locals said the unrest started in Talikhola area around 11pm after residents allegedly dragged Hossain and his father out of their home and assaulted the duo. Residents also blocked the Barasat-Barrackpore Road, halting traffic and demanding arrest of the accused.

Tensions escalated as cops tried to rescue Hossain from the mob and disperse the protesters. The crowd turned violent. Stones were hurled. Police retaliated with lathi-charge and tear gas shelling.