Violent clashes broke out between two groups in Bengal's Birbhum district during Holi, prompting the government to suspend internet services and deploy a large number of security forces to restore order. According to the police, over 20 people have been detained in connection with the incident.

A heated argument broke out between a group of people and some intoxicated individuals in Sainthia town on Friday. The situation quickly worsened as both sides began throwing stones and fighting, resulting in injuries to some locals. The police later intervened and brought the situation under control with a mild lathicharge. Later in the day, the Bengal Home Department announced the suspension of internet and voice-over-internet services in five gram panchayat areas of Sainthia until March 17. This move aims to curb the spread of rumors and illegal activities. The order clarified that regular voice calls and SMS services will continue to function, and there are no restrictions on newspapers.

The affected areas are Sainthia municipality, Hatora, Mathpalsa, Harisara, Fariyapur, and Fulur. According to the police, no cases of arson have been reported, and more than 20 people have been detained in connection with the incident. "The situation has been under control since last evening, and the internet has been suspended to curb the spread of misinformation," a police official said. Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led government, pointing to the state's law and order situation. He accused the government of turning Birbhum into a "blast factory," referring to previous incidents where crude bombs were recovered in the district.

"Such incidents have happened there before as well. Trinamool leaders have been arrested in Birbhum before and were caught with gelatin sticks. Explosives were also found. The government has turned Birbhum into a blast factory," ANI quoted Majumdar as saying. Additionally, he criticised the state police, claiming they are "defunct" and lack professionalism. "The West Bengal police have become defunct. They have been politicised to such an extent that they have lost their professionalism and effectiveness," he said.