Did Bengal Police Block Saraswati Puja at Barasat School?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The West Bengal Police denied allegations of blocking Saraswati Puja.
- Claims of police obstruction were described as false and misleading.
- The police emphasized the importance of verified information.
- Social media users are urged to report misinformation.
- Legal action will be taken against those spreading false narratives.
Kolkata, Jan 24 (NationPress) The West Bengal Police have categorically denied claims that the administration instructed the cessation of Saraswati Puja at a school located in Barasat, within the North 24 Parganas district, labeling these assertions as false and misleading.
In a statement shared on social media, the Barasat District Police addressed the circulation of incorrect narratives online, highlighting their potential to disrupt social harmony within the state.
“We have observed that several social media posts are spreading misleading and false narratives concerning Saraswati Puja at a school under Barasat PD jurisdiction. These claims are factually incorrect and could jeopardize social harmony,” the police remarked.
To set the record straight, the police clarified that there had been no directives from either the administration or law enforcement to prohibit any religious observance. “Decisions regarding educational institutions are made strictly within the parameters of institutional norms and legal frameworks,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the police encouraged the public to avoid sharing unverified or incendiary content on social platforms and advised them to depend exclusively on authentic and trustworthy sources for information. They also urged users to report any misleading or inflammatory posts to the appropriate authorities.
Issuing a warning of stringent consequences, the police stated that individuals responsible for disseminating misinformation would be dealt with according to the law. “The West Bengal Police is dedicated to a policy of zero tolerance towards malicious attempts to disrupt communal harmony. Such misinformation and harmful narratives will not be overlooked,” the statement concluded.
This clarification follows allegations that Saraswati Puja had not been celebrated for an extended period at Moynagadi Free Primary School in the Moyna area of Barasat. This year, local residents and students intended to conduct the puja on the school grounds. However, upon their arrival with the Saraswati idol on the morning of the puja, they allegedly discovered the school gate locked, which fueled claims that police obstructed their entry.
Nonetheless, the police have firmly rejected these allegations, asserting they are entirely untrue.