Communal clashes in West Bengal’s Malda: 34 arrested, Internet suspended
Communal clashes in West Bengal: In the aftermath of communal clashes in the Motabari area of Malda district, West Bengal, on March 26, the police have arrested 34 miscreants. Internet services in the region remain suspended as security forces, including three companies of Armed and Rapid Action Forces, have been deployed to maintain order.
The Calcutta High Court, taking cognizance of the violence, has directed the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) to submit an action report by April 3. The court has stressed the need for caution and urged the West Bengal government to ensure the safety of affected individuals.
What led to the violence?
Reports indicate that on March 26, while prayers were being offered at the Motabari mosque, a religious procession passed by. Allegedly, some individuals raised slogans, leading to tensions. The following day, on March 27, another community protested against the slogans, which escalated into violent clashes. Shops, houses, and vehicles were vandalised and looted.
Eyewitnesses reported that during the protest on March 27, demonstrators carried religious flags and suddenly turned violent. Several shops and homes were ransacked, vehicles were set ablaze, and the streets witnessed large-scale destruction. In response, the police resorted to lathi charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob.
The Malda police have urged citizens to maintain peace and refrain from believing rumours circulating on social media. The police suspect deliberate attempts by certain miscreants to incite violence and have requested residents to report any misleading information to the police.
BJP’s West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar has alleged that Hindu temples and homes were targeted in the violence. "The situation in Motabari has been tense since Wednesday. We have raised concerns with Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and reached out to Home Minister Amit Shah’s office," he said, questioning the recurring nature of such incidents in Bengal. Majumdar also claimed that BJP leaders were prevented from visiting the affected areas on Friday.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari has written to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led state government of lawlessness. He has demanded the immediate deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Motabari to restore law and order.
- With inputs from agencies
