Kolkata: Ajeya Sanghati, one of south Kolkata’s top-draw Durga Pujas of the city, has decided to resume work on its pandal in Haridevpur after halting it for 48 hours following an attack on three club officials late on Sunday. The decision to resume was taken after a meeting on Tuesday night, which was attended by BJP legislator from Behala East Shankar Sikdar.The MLA promised that the administration will not allow a repeat of the attack and will ensure that the accused who were behind it would be behind bars. The police, too, have agreed to continue a deploying personnel at the spot.On Sept 27, the Durga Puja pandal site of Ajeya Sanghati was attacked. Soon after, the club authorities announced on social media that the club’s puja would be suspended until the accused miscreants were identified and punished. With the festival approaching, this raised doubts about whether the puja would take place at all. However, on Wednesday, the club authorities issued another statement on social media, saying they were withdrawing that earlier decision.“With assurances from the administration, we are returning to the Sharadotsav arena,” the club posted, adding: “On Sept 28, we had announced the indefinite suspension of this year’s puja. After the unfortunate incident that occurred on the club premises around midnight on Sept 27, we strongly appealed to the police and administration for punishment of those responsible. As a result, based on assurances from the local MLA, along with promises of action against the culprits and full administrative security, we are once again returning to the festive grounds. We hope to provide all visitors with a beautiful and secure puja venue.”Talking to TOI, club secretary Pijush Halder said that besides Sikdar’s appeal, the local sentiment also strongly pushed their decision. “The locals were asking us to reverse our decision. They said that after making all arrangements, we should not back out. However, the accused are still roaming free. Many of us, club members and senior artisans, stay at the pandal till late at night in the run-up to the puja to ensure that the final execution is flawless. While we are convinced that no attack will take place at the club again, we are hoping cops make quick arrests so that we are not attacked individually,” said Halder.MLA Sikdar claimed had told TOI on Tuesday that he was holding the meeting to solve the issue. On Wednesday, he said the puja will be “bigger and better”.“The incident had no link with politics. There was some misunderstanding following an incident. That has been resolved. The Ajeya Sanghati puja this year will be bigger and better,” Sikdar said on Wednesday.At present, the pandal is undergoing fabrication and last-minute designing, said club members.Earlier, the organisers had listed out their demands. “We humbly request you to provide necessary police protection and patrolling around our club premises and Durga Puja pandal area. Ensure the safety and security of the artistes, craftsmen, labourers, and volunteers engaged in the preparation work. Finally, take appropriate action against the miscreants involved in the incident of vandalism,” the earlier statement issued by the club read.
