Hooghly, 12 November (H.S.): Tension and widespread resentment erupted in Ward No. 12 of Arambagh after black ink was allegedly smeared on the portraits of two legendary Bengali icons, Rabindranath Tagore and rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, at Haripur Saiyedia Primary School.

According to local sources, the school is currently closed due to the Puja vacation. On Thursday, the headmaster visited the school and discovered the defaced portraits. He immediately informed local residents, following which people gathered at the school premises and strongly condemned the incident.

A complaint regarding the incident has been lodged at Arambagh Police Station. Local residents have demanded the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible, along with exemplary punishment.

Residents said that Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam are not only the pride of Bengal but also national icons. They expressed strong resentment over the alleged act of disrespect inside an educational institution, stating that such behaviour is completely unacceptable.

However, it remains unclear who entered the school premises, when the incident took place and what the motive behind the alleged act was. The incident has raised several questions, with local residents demanding a thorough investigation and strict legal action against those involved.

The incident has triggered widespread anger and concern across the locality.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey