Howrah Police denies permission for Ram Navami procession; Anjani Putra Sena to move court

Kolkata: With Ram Navami preparations underway, Howrah Police has denied permission for Anjani Putra Sena’s planned procession along a route that saw communal clashes in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The police pointed to previous disturbances and violations of Calcutta High Court-imposed conditions as grounds for the decision.

Citing security concerns and past violations of court orders, the police have instead suggested two alternative routes. The organisation has decided to challenge the decision in court.

Despite a lack of approval last year, the procession was conducted, resulting in violence, loss of life, and property damage. This year, to avoid a repeat of such incidents, Howrah Police has proposed two alternative routes: Ram Raja Mandir Road to Mahendra Bhattacharya Road and Netaji Subhash Road to Malik Fateh Mor and Avani Mall near Bhagwan Narsingh Temple to MG Road and Howrah Maidan via Jagat Banerjee Ghat Road.

The police also noted that Shri Ram Sena traditionally holds a Ram Navami procession along the first suggested route and encouraged Anjani Putra Sena to use the same path.

To maintain order, the West Bengal Police Headquarters has enforced strict guidelines, banning DJs and motorcycles in processions. The state’s ADG (Law and Order), Javed Shamim, has announced a heavy police deployment in Howrah from April 2 to April 9 and has cancelled police officers’ leave during this period.

Meanwhile, the BJP has planned 2,000 Ram Navami processions across West Bengal, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari stating that around 1 crore people are expected to participate. Last year, nearly 50 lakh youth reportedly joined the celebrations. With heightened security measures and legal challenges looming, the issue remains a focal point of political and religious tensions in the region.