Tiljala rioting instigator had circulated hate clips earlier

KOLKATA: Saroj Pandit, one of the two men who allegedly incited the violence in Tiljala on Sunday and Monday, had circulated many hate videos since 2021 but managed to evade law-keepers. Sources said Pandit had live-streamed objectionable material earlier from near a central Kolkata temple.
Police on Thursday arrested two more persons in the rioting and arson case, taking the total number of people booked to 30. But Pandit, along with the other prime accused, Mukund Jha, are still evading arrest.
"On Sunday night, Pandit was the main instigator. He arranged for two vans and brought men from outside. He was earlier stayi ng in Gariahat before shifting to Kasba, and then to Tiljala. He instigated outsiders to pelt stones at the police station. However, he did not come in front to avoid being caught on camera," said an officer.
On Monday, Pandit made multiple calls, in which he instigated outsiders to head to the train tracks. Cops claim his activities on social media that day are under scanner.
Jha acted as the chief negotiator with cops on Monday morning, but then backed out at the crucial moment. "He was seen leading the sit-in near Bondel Road ROB. The accused had then quietly absconded when things went out of hand," said an officer.