The Calcutta High Court has said today that the Ram Navami violence that broke out during the processions in Howrah and Dalkhola were on the face it, 'pre-planned', and that there was a failure of intelligence on part of the State Police.

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya has reserved order on a petition filed by BJP Leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari seeking a transfer of the probe to the National Investigation Agency. 

During the hearing it was observed by the bench that "Internet suspension usually takes place when there has been an external danger or infiltration etc. But for a religious procession, we don't understand why (internet was suspended). Sudden violence is when people are walking and there is an altercation etc. But your (State's) reports prima facie show these (violence) were all pre-planned. There are allegations of stones being hurled from rooftops. Obviously it is not possible for anyone to take stones up to the rooftop within 10 to 15 minutes". 

The court further observed that "One is there is tension between two groups. The other is a third group is taking advantage of the enmity between these two groups. This needs to be probed. We believe a central agency can probe this aspect better. We need to identify this outside source. Somebody would have set the fire, set the ball rolling, so to identify that source, unless there is a central agency you cannot probe". 

It was argued by the Advocate General for the State of West Bengal that "As far as there are allegations with regards to acts of bombing etc and that some houses were set on fire as alleged by petitioner are totally baseless. Our report specifically deals with the allegations of bombs being used in the violence".

The AG apprised the Bench of the fact that both Hindus and Muslims, including 14 policemen, sustained severe injuries in the violence.

The bench pointed our that "It appears a regular feature now. I think all religions...Suppose the other community, even they have religious processions... very year there are 7 to 8 incidents of violence and then petitions are filed, probe by central agency is sought".