Donated Rs 300 instead of Rs 500 for Chhath, man and brothers beaten up in Bengal

A demand for Rs 500 as Chhath Puja donation triggered a violent clash in West Bengal's West Burdwan district, where a man and his three brothers were assaulted after they offered to pay Rs 300 instead. The dispute in Durgapur's Link Park area also led to vandalism at a shop, triggering tension in the locality.

According to local sources, donations were being collected for a Chhath Puja ghat through coupons. Members of the organising committee, including Dinesh Barnwal, Mukesh Singh and Suraj Barnwal, were among those collecting money from residents.

The committee was allegedly demanding Rs 500 for each daura (puja basket). Trouble started when a man identified as Manish Modi refused to pay the demanded amount and offered Rs 300 instead.

This led to an argument between him and the committee members. The disagreement soon escalated into a physical altercation.

According to the allegations, committee members assaulted Manish Modi and his three brothers following the argument over the donation amount. Women from the family were also accused of getting involved in the altercation.

The situation escalated further after an agitated group allegedly entered a shop and vandalised it, causing further unrest in the area.

During the clash, committee member Suraj Barnwal sustained a head injury. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Following information about the incident, police from Waria police outpost reached the spot and initiated action.

Police arrested a man identified as Ashish Kumar Modi in connection with the case. He was produced before the Durgapur sub-divisional court on Sunday.

The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the clash and the subsequent vandalism. CCTV footage of the assault is also available.