Kolkata, April 2 Several police officers were injured, including an officer in charge, when miscreants threw stones at them in Birbhum district, West Bengal, an officer said on Thursday.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Suri police station, Shailendra Upadhyay, was among those injured after miscreants threw stones and bricks at the police team at the Kukhudihi village.
According to police, the trouble began after an earthmover machine, used in construction work near a graveyard, accidentally dug into the soil covering a grave, triggering tension.
The earthmover operator was subsequently detained by a group of locals, leading to a confrontation between two groups belonging to the same community, the officer said.
Police personnel initially reached the spot and attempted to pacify the crowd and secure the release of the driver. However, the mob threw stones and bricks at the police team, injuring several officers, including the OC.
Senior officers, including SP Surya Pratap Yadav, later rushed to the village with additional forces to bring the situation under control.
"Fourteen people have been arrested so far. Raids are underway, and all those involved will be apprehended," Yadav said.
"Both groups involved in the clash belong to the same community," the SP added.
Police said the situation in the area is now under control, with the deployment of forces continuing as a precautionary measure. Further investigation is underway.