Internet services suspended in parts of West Bengal’s Birbhum till March 17; LoP Adhikari seeks report as he slams State govt

Internet and voice services suspended in West Bengal to prevent rumors and unlawful activities, sparking criticism from opposition leader.

Internet and voice-over-Internet telephony services have been 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, officials said on Friday (March 154, 2025).

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

The prohibitory order, issued by the Principal Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal on March 14, suspending internet and call services, cited concerns over the potential spreading of “rumours for unlawful activities.”

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday (March 15 ,2025) lashed out at the State government over the suspension of internet services, terming it as “evidence of deterioration” in the law and order situation.

Taking to social media platform X, Mr. Adhikari alleged that the move was an “acceptance of incapability” on the part of the administration to control the situation. He further claimed that incidents of skirmishes were reported not just in Birbhum but also in Tamluk, Nandakumar and other areas across the State.

He further alleged that the West Bengal government is trying to hide instances of communal flare-ups and urged the Home Ministry, Bengal Governor, and Chief Secretary to intervene in the issue and review the law and order situation.

Meanwhile, police forces have been deployed in the affected areas following reports of a stone-pelting incident in Birbhum.