Tensions Erupt In Bengal's Birbhum After Violence On Holi, Internet Suspended Till March 17

According to officials, internet and voice-over-internet telephony services were suspended in at least five Gram Panchayat areas of Sainthia town in West Bengal's Birbhum district to prevent the spread of rumours and unlawful activities.

The shutdown is in effect from March 14 to March 17.

The order further states that no restriction is being placed on voice calls or SMS. Similarly, no restrictions on newspapers have been placed, adding "Hence communication and dissemination of knowledge and information is not stopped in any way."

Slamming the state government for the internet suspension, the leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari termed it as "evidence of deterioration" in the law and order situation.