Vandalism and Stone-Pelting at Police Outpost in Asansol; Unrest over Loudspeaker Volume

May 16, 2026

Tension erupted on Friday night in Asansol, West Bengal, following directives to reduce loudspeaker volume. In the Railpar area, a mob vandalized a police outpost and pelted it with stones. The police resorted to a lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells.

Acting on instructions from the state government, the police administration had issued orders in several parts of Asansol to keep loudspeaker volumes at a reduced level. In this context, a dialogue had taken place earlier in the day between the police and residents in the Railpar area.

In the evening, a large crowd gathered at the police outpost. The mob pelted stones at the outpost and vandalized vehicles belonging to both the police and civilians. Several police personnel sustained injuries during the incident.

Paramilitary Forces Deployed in the Area

Following the outbreak of tension, paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area. Deputy Commissioner of Police V.G. Satish Pasumarthi stated, “The situation is now under control. CCTV footage is being analyzed to identify those involved. Legal action will be initiated against all individuals implicated in the incident.”