Kolkata: Tension broke out in the Rajabazar area after police stopped a group from offering namaz on a public road following restrictions on religious gatherings in public spaces.
A group attempted to perform namaz on the road despite recent administrative instructions against using public thoroughfares for religious activities. Police personnel arrived at the spot to clear the road and restore traffic movement.
The situation escalated when some individuals resisted police action. The protesters said roadside prayer forms part of local tradition. Police maintained that public roads must remain clear to ensure smooth movement and maintain law and order.
The road was later cleared and traffic resumed. Authorities deployed additional police forces along with Central Reserve Police Force personnel to control the situation and prevent further disruption.
Officials said individuals involved in disturbing peace are being identified and legal steps will follow. Police have not issued a detailed public statement on the incident.
Local administration sources stated that public spaces must remain free from obstruction, especially in densely populated areas like Rajabazar where congestion remains high.
Residents and community voices pointed to a wider concern around access to designated worship spaces. They said limited availability of mosques and prayer areas in crowded localities often leaves worshipers with few options during peak times. Repeated communal rhetoric and stricter public space enforcement have made it harder to maintain or expand places of worship. They added that restrictions and actions framed as “encroachment” often affect minority religious gatherings, leading to tension on the ground.
Political context has also emerged around the issue. During the previous state administration, street religious activities saw fewer restrictions. The current approach has shifted toward limiting such practices in public spaces, according to administrative and political sources.
Authorities continue monitoring the area to prevent escalation and maintain normalcy.
