Clashes mar Ram Navami processions in Murshidabad ahead of West Bengal assembly polls

Heightened security measures were deployed in the troubled Jangipur and Raghunathganj areas. No arrests had been reported as of filing.

Authorities said the violence began following a dispute during a procession, which quickly spiraled into clashes between two groups.

Trouble reportedly started when participants marching toward Mackenzie Park got into an argument with locals in the Sisatala area over the music being played.

The unrest intensified near Phultala Crossing, where shops were vandalised and set ablaze, exacerbating tensions further.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Amit Malviya said, "We cannot allow Mamata Banerjee to succeed. We cannot allow her to undermine the glorious legacy of West Bengal."

Police and security personnel responded promptly, conducting patrolling and maintaining vigilance.

The administration appealed to local residents to remain calm and assured that security arrangements across the district had been strengthened.

The 294-member West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29, with counting set for May 4.