Mob Vandalises Police Outpost in Asansol Over Loudspeaker Dispute; 15 Arrested, CM Warns of Strict Action

KalimNews, May 2, 2026, Kolkata : Tension gripped Asansol in West Bengal on Friday evening after a police outpost at Qureshi Mohalla was vandalised by an agitated mob following a dispute linked to loudspeaker use at a mosque. Police have arrested 15 people in connection with the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Saturday.

The Chief Minister stated that those involved in the attack on the police outpost are already in custody and will face strict legal action. He further warned that the cost of damage to public property will be recovered from the accused, adding that no one responsible for injuring police personnel would be spared.

“Those who vandalised the police outpost are in police custody. They will not only face prosecution but will also be made to pay for the damage caused to public property. If any policeman is injured, the culprits will face the strictest action,” Adhikari said.

According to reports, the situation escalated after residents reacted strongly to a complaint regarding the volume of a mosque loudspeaker. Following the complaint, police personnel from the Jahangiri Mohalla police station reportedly requested mosque authorities to lower the sound level, which triggered anger among locals.

A crowd gathered outside the police outpost in protest, which soon turned violent. The mob allegedly pelted stones, damaged the police facility, and vandalised several police vehicles and motorcycles parked nearby. Visuals from the scene showed widespread destruction, including shattered glass and debris scattered across the area.

To bring the situation under control, police and central forces carried out lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells. Route marches were conducted in the affected locality, and additional police deployment was made to restore order.

A heavy police presence continues in the area as authorities work to prevent further escalation. Officials confirmed that CCTV footage and video recordings from the incident are being examined to identify all those involved.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate) PVG Satish said that strict action would be taken against all offenders. “Those involved in the attack and vandalism are being identified through CCTV and video footage. No one will be spared, and strict legal action will follow,” he said.

Locals, however, urged restraint and dialogue, stating that destruction of public property was not justified. “Some people came and damaged the police station, which is wrong. Issues should be resolved through discussion, not violence. The administration is not the enemy,” a resident told news agency IANS.

Officials confirmed that the situation is now under control, though tension remains in the area.

The incident comes a day after the Chief Minister directed strict enforcement of noise pollution rules across the state, instructing police to act firmly against violations involving loudspeakers at religious and public places, and warning against any negligence in implementing the regulations.