Pandal set on fire in Howrah

Howrah (West Bengal) : A pandal dedicated to the Goddess of Learning, Saraswati, on the occasion of Vasanta Panchami was set ablaze in Baltikuri in West Bengal's Howrah District.

Witnesses said that some inebriated local residents were responsible for the incident.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rahul Sinha criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying her decision to ban Durga Visarjan, Ram Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti processions in the state was the main reason for such incidents.

"It is sad that religious rituals are attacked these days in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is responsible for it. She has banned Durga Visarjan, Ram Navmi and Hanuman Jayanti processions. That is why anti-social elements dare to burn Saraswati and Durga idols," he said.

An investigation is underway.