Communal tensions erupted in Asansol after a mob allegedly vandalised a police outpost and pelted stones following a dispute over loudspeaker volume at a local mosque. The violence broke out on Friday night in the Jahangir Mohalla area after police reportedly asked mosque authorities to reduce the loudspeaker volume in line with Supreme Court guidelines on permissible sound levels.
According to police officials, what initially began as a discussion soon escalated into clashes after two groups within the crowd allegedly got into an argument. A section of the mob then attacked the police outpost and damaged police as well as civilian vehicles parked nearby.
Tension erupted in West Bengal’s Asansol during a police awareness drive on loudspeaker regulations after a police outpost was allegedly attacked with stone pelting and vandalism reported in the area.
— The News Drill™ (@thenewsdrill) May 16, 2026
Police conducted a mild lathi charge to control the situation. Authorities say… pic.twitter.com/uVpiFovy4G
A large police contingent was swiftly deployed to the area, following which security personnel carried out a lathi charge and used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and restore order. Police pickets have since been stationed in the sensitive area and authorities said the situation is currently under control.
Tension erupted on Friday night in the Railpar area of Asansol after police asked residents to lower loudspeaker volumes following directions from the state government. pic.twitter.com/zai7UNdGUN
— Bhaskar English (@BhaskarEnglish_) May 16, 2026
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhruba Das of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate said CCTV footage is being examined to identify those involved in the stone-pelting and vandalism. "Last night a crowd had gathered to discuss some issue. Police personnel were also there. Two groups had an argument. However, a section of the mob pelted stones at the police outpost, which caused minor damage. We are examining the CCTV footage to identify those involved. Strict action will be taken," he said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
A violent mob pelted stones & vandalized a police outpost in Asansol after cops enforced Govt orders to lower mosque loudspeaker volumes.
— Zeennat Rana (@izeennatrana) May 18, 2026
Instead of appeasement, swift action was taken & **stone-pelters were arrested!**
Kudos to CM @SuvenduA dada for establishing zero tolerance… pic.twitter.com/fjDMdXgIkr
Police said at least seven people were initially arrested in connection with the violence, while later reports suggested the number of arrests rose to 26 as the investigation progressed.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA and West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul stressed that no activity — religious or otherwise — would be allowed to disturb public order or violate noise pollution norms. She said everyone, irrespective of religion, must follow the permissible sound limits and ensure public convenience is not disrupted.
