West Bengal: 1 dead in clash between locals, police on Ram Navami

One villager has been killed in a clash between locals and police during a Ram Navami procession in Beldi village in Purulia, West Bengal.

Four people were also injured in the clash. 

The ruling party Trinamool Congress and opposition Bharatiya Janata party took out rallies across the state on Sunday to celebrate Ram Navami festival fuelling communal tension.

The BJP party has reportedly organised rallies across the state stating it is a step towards "uniting the Hindus" of the state.

Countering this, the TMC also organised rallies in various parts of the state. 

Police have also increased the security in the region following the clash.

Last week chief minister Mamata Banerjee had instructed police to not permit any organisation to hold processions displaying arms during Ram Navami.

Meanwhile, various right-wing groups were also seen brandishing swords in a procession in the state.

In a procession taken out by the Ram Navami Janmo Maha Utsab Committee, people were also seen riding bikes without helmets. Five people were also seen riding one bike.

Party chief of BJP's Bengal unit, Dilip Ghosh was also seen brandishing swords during the rally in Kharagpur, West Bengal.

Ghosh called this a tradition to conduct procession with weapons.