2 days ago
Durga Puja Committee Cancels Celebrations After Alleged Attacks
Birati Tarun Sangha planned to organise its 76th Durga Puja in 2026.
The committee says people from outside the club attacked members and damaged the club.
It also says officials did not provide enough help.
Because of these concerns, the committee cancelled its celebrations.
The committee warned that another group might organise a puja at the same place without its permission.
In a separate incident, Ajeya Sanghati temporarily stopped its puja preparations after alleged vandalism.
Police and local MLA Shankar Sikdar then promised protection.
Ajeya Sanghati restarted its preparations after receiving those assurances.
Birati Tarun Sangha cancelled its planned 2026 Durga Puja, citing alleged attacks, vandalism, harassment and insufficient administrative support.
The committee said 40–50 motorcycle-borne youths attacked its club on July 23 and returned on August 16 to assault members.
Birati Tarun Sangha warned that an allegedly unauthorised group was organising a puja at the same site using its name.
Club president Swapan Haldar said a police complaint was filed, but alleged that the club received no cooperation.
Ajeya Sanghati in Haridevpur resumed puja preparations after receiving security assurances from police and BJP MLA Shankar Sikdar.
- Who
- Birati Tarun Sangha and the Uttar Dum Dum 14 Palli Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee; separately, Ajeya Sanghati and local authorities.
- What
- Birati Tarun Sangha cancelled its 2026 Durga Puja, while Ajeya Sanghati resumed preparations after security assurances.
- Where
- Birati Tarun Sangha's club and puja site in Block II of Mahajatinagar, Uttar Dum Dum; Ajeya Sanghati is in Haridevpur, Kolkata.
- When
- The reported attacks on Birati Tarun Sangha occurred on July 23 and August 16; Ajeya Sanghati suspended work after an alleged September 27 vandalism incident.
- Why
- Birati Tarun Sangha cited alleged attacks, vandalism, harassment and inadequate administrative cooperation; Ajeya Sanghati cited safety concerns before receiving security assurances.
Organisers' allegations
Authorities' response
Security and administrative support
Organisers' allegations
Birati Tarun Sangha said repeated attacks, vandalism, harassment and a lack of administrative cooperation forced it to cancel the puja. Ajeya Sanghati also said it initially stopped work over safety concerns.
Authorities' response
Police said the investigation into the Ajeya Sanghati incident was underway, later deployed personnel at the site, and provided security assurances along with local MLA Shankar Sikdar.
Who should organise the puja
Organisers' allegations
Birati Tarun Sangha said it had withdrawn from organising the event and had no direct or indirect connection with any puja held at the site under its name.
Authorities' response
The article reports that an external group was preparing to hold a puja at the same location, but does not provide that group's response to the committee's allegations.
Key facts
- Planned celebration
- Birati Tarun Sangha's 76th Durga Puja in 2026
- Reported first attack
- July 23; the committee alleged that 40–50 motorcycle-borne youths attacked the club and demanded documents
- Reported second attack
- August 16; the committee alleged that members were attacked
- Police complaint
- Club president Swapan Haldar said a complaint was lodged
- Unauthorised event claim
- Birati Tarun Sangha said an external group was using its name to organise a puja at the same location
- Ajeya Sanghati response
- The committee resumed preparations after police and MLA Shankar Sikdar assured organisers of security
- Reported damage at Ajeya Sanghati
- Organisers alleged that three members were assaulted and CCTV equipment was taken; police said the investigation was continuing
Quotes
Ajeya Sanghati Durga Puja committee
Haridevpur Durga Puja organisers
“However, to our great surprise, we have observed that some anti-social external elements are organising the Puja at the same location using the name of our organisation.”
telegraphindia.com
“Based on the assurance of the local MLA and administration of safety and security, we are once again returning to the organisation of 'sharodotsav'.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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