A madrasa and several Muslim households were allegedly vandalised by unidentified individuals in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district, triggering fear among residents and raising concerns over communal harmony.
The incident reportedly took place around midnight on Tuesday, October 20, in an area under Panskura police station.
The madrasa authorities alleged that the attackers damaged property, destroyed books and official documents, and threatened teachers and students. Residents of nearby Muslim households also reported broken windows, property damage and intimidation.
25 to 30 Unidentified People Named in Complaint
Madrasa Shahr-e-Madina is jointly managed by residents of Bahargram and Suranankar villages. The institution caters to around 60 students, including residential and non-residential pupils.
In a written complaint submitted to Panskura police station on Wednesday, October 22, the madrasa authorities alleged that around 25 to 30 unidentified people, armed with sticks, iron rods and other weapons, entered the madrasa premises and several nearby Muslim homes.
According to the complaint, the attackers damaged doors, windows and furniture inside the madrasa and scattered or destroyed books, documents and other belongings.
The authorities further alleged that the name displayed on the madrasa wall was smeared with ink and that religious slogans, including “Jai Ma Bhavani” and “Jai Shri Ram”, were written on the walls.
Madrasa Secretary Alleges Threats to Teachers, Students
Sk Mantaj Ali, secretary of the madrasa, told The Observer Post that teachers and students had been threatened during the incident.
“The miscreants behaved in an extremely uncivilised manner towards the teachers and students and openly threatened them with death. At present, local residents, along with the teachers and students, are living in fear and insecurity,” he said.
Ali said the institution had been operating for around 50 years without similar incidents. Expressing shock over the alleged vandalism, he urged the authorities to identify those responsible, take legal action and ensure security for the madrasa and neighbouring families.
Muslim Households Also Report Damage
The alleged vandalism extended beyond the madrasa, with residents claiming that several Muslim households were targeted.
According to local accounts, windowpanes were smashed and household property was damaged. A member of one affected family alleged that the attackers used abusive language towards women and subjected residents to intimidation and harassment.
The extent of the damage to the homes has not been independently established.
Residents Appeal for Peace, Seek Police Action
Saddam Ali Khan, a resident of East Midnapore and a district-level leader of the Jatiya Unnayan Party (JUP), told The Observer Post that a written complaint had been submitted to the local police.
Khan alleged that the incident was intended to disturb communal harmony but said residents did not want violence or unrest.
“We are peace-loving people. Hindus and Muslims have lived together in this area for a long time, and we want everyone to continue living in peace,” he said.
According to Khan, the police had assured residents that legal action would be taken. However, he alleged that a formal case had not been registered by the time this report was prepared.
Attempts to contact the Inspector-in-Charge of Panskura police station for comment were unsuccessful. No official police statement was available at the time of publication.
