Shah spoke to the governor and took stock of the prevailing situation in the state, particularly in the violence-hit areas of Howrah,?PTI reported. The governor reportedly provided the home minister details about Thursday's violence and the present situation.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC were imposed in Kazipara area of Howrah after fresh unrest?broke out this afternoon after Thursday's violence, a senior IPS officer told PTI.

A riot-like situation broke out in Howrah, near Kolkata, during the Ram Navami celebration last evening. Vehicles were torched and shops were ransacked in the area. Police personnel were deployed and more than 45 people have been detained, a senior official said. At least three policemen were injured in brick batting. Four fire tenders were pressed into service to extinguish the blaze.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident and said the culprits won't be spared, and the law will take its course. The Trinamool Congress chief also accused the BJP and other right-wing organisations of “hiring goons from outside” and orchestrating communal riots in the state.

The VHP organized 1,000 large and small processions across the state on occasion. Chanting 'Jai Shri Ram', thousands of people participated in those processions in Howrah, Kharagpur, Barrackpore, Bhadreswar, Siliguri and Asansol. Drumbeats, saffron flags and giant cutouts of Lord Ram featured prominently in these processions. Some of those participating in the marches were also armed with swords and tridents.

Earlier today, police said the situation was peaceful and under control as large numbers of police force remained deployed in the area.