Loudspeaker Dispute Sparks Tension in Kolkata’s Rajabazar as Suvendu Govt Enforces Strict Curbs on Road Prayers

Tension flared in Kolkata’s Rajabazar area on Friday afternoon after a dispute over offering namaz on a public road during Jumma prayers triggered unrest, prompting a heavy police deployment to prevent the situation from spiralling further. 

The tiff began after a section of worshippers allegedly wished to occupy a stretch of road for Friday prayers despite restrictions imposed by the administration under the newly formed BJP government in West Bengal.

As the situation intensified, police personnel moved in to disperse the gathering and restore order. Officials reportedly resorted to a lathi-charge after attempts were allegedly made to block traffic movement in the area. The incident led to heavy commotion in the locality, with protesters reportedly raising slogans against the government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Some local residents and protesters claimed that offering prayers on roads had been a long-standing practice in parts of the area and questioned the administration’s move to restrict it. Police remained stationed in large numbers across Rajabazar throughout the afternoon to prevent any further escalation and ensure normalcy returned to the neighbourhood.

The incident comes amid the Suvendu Adhikari government’s stricter approach towards religious gatherings on public roads. The new administration has reportedly taken a firm position against road blockades for prayers, arguing that public movement cannot be disrupted.

Earlier this week, BJP leader Arjun Singh had said the government would not permit namaz on streets and that religious practices would have to remain confined to designated places of worship. “The CM had given several directions during the Cabinet meeting. Namaz would not be allowed on the streets. People could offer prayers at mosques, but prayers on roads would not be tolerated,” Singh had said.

Referring to earlier public prayer gatherings on Kolkata’s Red Road, he added that such scenes would no longer be allowed under the present administration. “Such scenes would not be seen anymore. These were court orders,” Singh had said, indicating that the government intended to enforce restrictions in line with judicial directives.