March 15, 2025: Violence erupted in West Bengal’s Birbhum district on Holi, prompting the state government to suspend internet services and deploy a large number of security personnel to restore peace. Over 20 people have been detained in connection with the incident, police said.

The unrest began in Sainthia town on Friday following a verbal spat between a group and some intoxicated individuals. As tensions escalated, authorities moved swiftly to prevent further disorder. The Bengal Home Department issued an order suspending internet and voice-over-internet services in five gram panchayat areas of Sainthia until March 17, aiming to curb the spread of rumors and illegal activities. However, voice calls and SMS services remain operational, and there are no restrictions on newspapers.

The affected areas under the suspension order include Sainthia municipality, Hatora, Mathpalsa, Harisara, Fariyapur, and Fulur.

Despite the unrest, police confirmed that no incidents of arson had been reported. "The situation has been under control since last evening, and internet services have been suspended to prevent misinformation," a senior police official stated.

The incident has also triggered a political face-off, with Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar criticizing the Mamata Banerjee-led government. Majumdar accused the state administration of turning Birbhum into a “blast factory,” referencing previous recoveries of crude bombs in the district.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with security forces on high alert to prevent any further escalation.