Asansol, 23 August (H.S.): A heated argument over an old dispute among children escalated into a physical clash between two groups at the Sukanto Maidan area under Asansol South Police Station on Saturday night. Several people were reportedly injured in the incident, triggering tension in the locality for some time.

According to local sources, Sukanto Maidan is located between Wards 42 and 43 and is frequently used by local children and youths for playing and socialising. The dispute reportedly began over issues related to children playing and sitting in the area. The argument soon escalated and adults from both sides became involved, leading to a physical altercation.

Mohammad Shafiqullah Khan, from one of the groups, alleged that his brother was sitting at Sukanto Maidan when a group of people arrived and assaulted him. He reportedly sustained a head injury and was taken to Asansol District Hospital for treatment.

Another local resident, Shafiqullah Khan, alleged that some people had been targeted and assaulted in the area since the change of government. However, the allegation has not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, local resident Manik alleged that attempts had been made over the past few days to create unrest in the Sukanto Maidan area. He also alleged that children were being dragged into the dispute and accused Kallu of Namopara and members of his group of involvement in the assault. These allegations too have not been independently verified.

Following the clash, women from one side blocked the road in protest. Police from Asansol South Police Station reached the spot and intervened to pacify both sides. The road blockade was subsequently removed, while additional police pickets and patrols were deployed as a precautionary measure.

Officer-in-Charge Biswajit Mukherjee, along with several senior officers of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, visited the spot. Later at night, DC Central Dhruva Das also inspected the area and took stock of the situation. Police appealed to residents to maintain peace and refrain from paying attention to rumours.

According to police and local residents, the incident appears to have originated from an old dispute among children. Several locals stressed that the incident should not be viewed as a communal dispute and that differences arising among children should be resolved through dialogue.

Meanwhile, police are taking steps to form a peace committee comprising respected members, senior citizens and youths from both communities. The initiative aims to resolve minor misunderstandings through dialogue and maintain communal harmony in the locality.

The situation in and around Sukanto Maidan is currently reported to be under control. Police are investigating the incident and trying to establish what triggered the clash and identify all those allegedly involved.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey