Murshidabad: Tensions remain high in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following a fresh wave of violence that has resulted in over 200 arrests. The unrest has spread across parts of South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad, with violent clashes, arson, and vandalism adding to the growing concern.
In one of the most disturbing incidents, five police motorcycles were torched and a Kolkata Police vehicle was vandalised and overturned by miscreants in Shonpur under the North Kashipur police station jurisdiction. Eyewitnesses claimed the incident occurred in the presence of police personnel, raising serious questions about the preparedness and response of law enforcement.
The chaos has displaced multiple families. Many from Samsherganj had earlier fled to neighboring Malda district to escape the violence. Encouragingly, 19 of these families returned to their homes with help from Malda Police, suggesting early signs of stabilization.
To assess the ground situation, Additional Director General (ADG) of the BSF Eastern Command, Ravi Gandhi, visited the violence-hit areas on April 14. Accompanied by IG of South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat and other senior BSF officials, Gandhi toured regions under Samserganj and Suti police stations in Murshidabad.
“The BSF is fully committed to ensuring your safety and well-being,” Gandhi told residents during interactions, reassuring them that peace would soon be restored. He also emphasized the strong coordination between central and state forces in tackling the crisis.
The ADG later met with the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) and other senior officials to review the situation and praised BSF personnel for their prompt response. He also visited the international border areas in both Murshidabad and Malda, which border Bangladesh, and stressed the importance of maintaining strict vigilance in these sensitive zones.
“There must be no laxity in securing the border,” he cautioned.
Speaking to the media, Gandhi reiterated the BSF’s full cooperation with the state administration and law enforcement to bring back normalcy.
Meanwhile, ADG Law and Order Jawed Shamim confirmed that the situation in Jangipur and Murshidabad is gradually improving. Enhanced security measures, including route marches and heavy police picketing in sensitive areas, have been implemented to prevent further disturbances.
However, officials remain concerned about the role of misinformation, particularly from sources outside West Bengal, in fueling the unrest.
“Fake news is still being circulated to provoke tension,” Shamim warned. He confirmed that more than 200 individuals have been arrested so far.
The unrest has also sparked a political blame game. A recent post shared by BJP West Bengal featured nine images allegedly depicting violence in Murshidabad. A fact-check by the West Bengal Police, however, revealed the images were from other BJP-ruled states. The post was later deleted by the BJP.
Sajal Ghosh, a BJP leader, commented:
“We all know who is behind this. The West Bengal Police seems to be targeting only one political party and shielding others.”
In contrast, the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) has filed an FIR against BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, accusing him of spreading fake videos and inciting communal unrest.
“BJP is deliberately attempting to destabilize Bengal through misinformation,” said Kishlay Roy, President of JU TMCP.
Authorities are now focusing on identifying and taking action against both direct participants and instigators of the violence.
“No one will be spared—whether they took part in the violence or incited it,” said ADG Shamim, adding that the administration is committed to restoring peace.
As a preventive measure, internet services have been temporarily suspended in select areas to halt the spread of fake news and misinformation.
“We appeal to citizens to stay calm, avoid forwarding unverified information, and cooperate with authorities. Restoring peace is our top priority,” Gandhi stated.
Both central and state agencies are working in close coordination to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of all communities.
