Kolkata, Aug. 6 -- Loudspeakers used for azan (call to prayer) were removed from several mosques across West Bengal on Wednesday following verbal instructions from local police, prompting objections from Muslim clerics who said there was no written order directing such statewide action. "There is no court order or government notification that says loudspeakers must be summarily removed from all mosques... Instead, masjid officials were threatened and asked to remove the loudspeakers. Isn't this a violation of law?" said Maulana Muhammad Shafique Qasmi, Imam of Kolkata's Nakhoda Mosque. Several imams told HT that police officials asked mosque committees to remove loudspeakers without producing any written order. "All I came to know is that verbal instructions came from police stations but the officers did not show any written order," said Maulana Qari Fazlur Rahaman. Qasmi urged chief minister Suvendu Adhikari to intervene. While Kolkata Police and the state police did not issue any statement, two state ministers backed the move. "No loudspeakers should be played from any place of worship, be it a masjid or a mandir. The law applies to all," said urban development minister Agnimitra Paul. Industry minister Tapas Roy said the step was necessary to "control noise pollution."...