Don’t Believe Rumours, Says Kolkata Police Commissioner In Run-Up To Ram Navami, Warns Miscreants Of Action

Last Updated:April 02, 2025, 11:42 IST

Manoj Verma said one must ratify information with the nearest police station instead of falling prey to social media posts and rumours

In an exclusive conversation with News18, Manoj Verma (extreme left) urged everyone to celebrate Ram Navami with devotion. (News18)

Bengal is witnessing tensions in the run-up to Ram Navami and in an effort to defuse the situation, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma — in a first — decided to visit several mixed-religion areas through which the procession will pass.

In an exclusive conversation with News18, Verma urged everyone to celebrate Ram Navami with devotion but warned that any attempts to create disturbances would result in legal action. The commissioner also stressed that people should not fall for social media rumours.

Edited Excerpts

There is tension ahead of Ram Navami. What type of preparations have you made from the security perspective?

Festivals are celebrated every year. For the last two months, we have been working to incorporate all inputs received from various agencies and social media. We are also monitoring the speeches that have been given.

Opposition leader Dilip Ghosh has said they will carry weapons in the procession, as that’s how Ram Navami is celebrated. What do you have to say to that?

I have nothing more to add on this except that there were guidelines given by the high court when some incidents occurred two-three years ago. All organisers and participants are bound by those guidelines, and we will ensure that they are implemented.

What would you like to say to the people of Kolkata?

Our request is that everybody is welcome to celebrate the festival but if someone tries to create disturbance, action will be taken against them. We are here to ensure that festivals are celebrated without hindrance.

Also, nobody should believe rumours or social media messages. For any questions, they can contact the local police and we will help them. We will cooperate wholeheartedly to ensure peaceful celebration of Ram Navami.

First Published:

April 02, 2025, 11:42 IST