West Bengal: Tension grips Kolkata’s Rajabazar after road blocked for Jumma Namaz.

Tension Grips Kolkata’s Rajabazar After Dispute Over Friday Namaz on Public Road. Police dispersed the Namazis.

Sankirtan Das | HENB | Kolkata, West Bengal | May 16, 2026:: A tense situation unfolded in Kolkata’s Rajabazar area on Friday after a dispute erupted over the offering of Jumma Namaz on a public road, leading to traffic disruption, heavy police deployment, and allegations of clashes between protesters and security personnel. Authorities eventually brought the situation under control after deploying additional police and central forces in the sensitive locality.

This initiative of WB CM Suvendu Adhikari recalls the first ever action of then Shiv Sena Chief and ‘Hindu Hriday Samrat’ Balasaheb Thackeray to stop road namaz in Greater Mumbai, including some parts of Maharashtra.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath Government also stopped all road Namaz on Friday or at other events, including stopping the blaring of mosque mikes.

Heavy Security Deployment in Rajabazar

Rajabazar Road, one of central Kolkata’s busy commercial stretches, witnessed unprecedented security arrangements after a large gathering assembled for Friday prayers on the roadway. According to officials and local sources, a section of worshippers occupied part of the road to offer Namaz, resulting in a complete halt of vehicular movement and triggering concerns over law and order.

The administration responded swiftly by deploying a large contingent of Kolkata Police personnel along with paramilitary forces. Barricades were erected in several parts of the area, while senior officers monitored the situation closely to prevent any escalation.

Eyewitnesses described the locality as resembling a “police cantonment,” with security personnel stationed at major intersections and patrolling continuously throughout the day.

Dispute Over Public Prayers

The incident reportedly began when police attempted to enforce newly issued administrative restrictions prohibiting religious gatherings that block public roads. Authorities had earlier stated that maintaining uninterrupted traffic movement and preventing public inconvenience would remain a top priority under the current administration.

According to sources, tensions rose when police personnel intervened to stop prayers from being conducted in the middle of the road. Protesters allegedly objected to the restrictions, arguing that offering Friday prayers on roads in the locality had been a long-standing practice.

Slogans were reportedly raised against the state government during the protest, further intensifying the atmosphere.

Dispute over the Allegations of Clashes and Lathi-Charge

Reports from local media outlets stated that the confrontation escalated after some individuals allegedly attempted to resist police action and continue the road blockade. According to sources cited by Aaj Tak Bangla, a few people allegedly tried to assault police personnel during the standoff.

Police subsequently carried out a limited lathi-charge to disperse the crowd and clear the road, officials said. While there were no immediate reports of serious injuries, the situation remained tense for several hours.

Security forces later held discussions with local community elders and religious representatives in an effort to restore calm. Officials stated that these negotiations helped defuse tensions and gradually normalize the situation.

However, from various video footages, it appears that no lathi-charge took place. The footage also showed that some members of the Muslim community refuted the allegations of a lathi-charge, while the concerned police authorities also denied any such incident.

Administration’s Strict Stand on Road Blockades

The incident comes amid a broader policy shift by the newly installed West Bengal government regarding religious gatherings on public roads. The administration has reportedly adopted a stricter approach toward road blockades for prayers and public events, emphasizing that religious activities should not disrupt traffic or public movement.

Political leaders associated with the ruling establishment have publicly reiterated this position in recent days. BJP leader Arjun Singh earlier claimed that clear instructions had been issued during a Cabinet meeting that Namaz would not be permitted on public roads.

“People can offer prayers inside mosques, but prayers on streets will not be tolerated,” Singh had stated, adding that public prayers on Kolkata’s Red Road would also not be allowed under the new policy framework. Authorities are searching for an alternative venue for Eid Namaz instead of Red Road.

The government’s position marks a significant departure from the previous Mamata Banerjee-led administration, during which opposition leaders had repeatedly alleged that road prayers were permitted in several parts of the state.

According to sources, several elderly Muslims, including some community leaders, assured the police that they would refrain from offering Namaz on the road from next Friday onward and would cooperate with the police and administration in maintaining law and order.

Situation Under Control, Police Continue Vigil

By late evening, officials said the situation in Rajabazar had largely been brought under control, though police deployment remained in place as a precautionary measure. Traffic movement was gradually restored, and authorities continued to monitor the area closely to prevent further disturbances.

Senior police officials urged residents to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. No official statement regarding arrests or injuries had been released at the time of reporting.

The incident has once again brought into focus the sensitive debate surrounding religious practices in public spaces, balancing constitutional freedoms with administrative concerns over traffic management and public order in densely populated urban areas like Kolkata.
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_Inputs from ANI Bharat, Zee 24 Ghanta and Aaj Tak Bangla.