The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has released a report alleging widespread violence, intimidation, and attacks targeting Muslims and political opponents in West Bengal following the BJP’s victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
According to the report, incidents took place between May 4 and May 7 across at least eight districts of the state. APCR documented 34 separate incidents, with the worst-affected areas including West Bengal districts such as Cooch Behar, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata Metro region, Murshidabad, Howrah, Malda, and Birbhum.
The report claims that at least two people died during the violence. One of them was reportedly a Muslim man who was killed while trying to protect a mosque in Gosanimari, Cooch Behar.
Mosques, Muslim homes, shops and meat businesses targeted
APCR alleged that several mosques were attacked during political processions and clashes. The report specifically mentioned attacks on mosques in Cooch Behar, Howrah, Barasat, Murshidabad, and South 24 Parganas.
In Gosanimari, the report said a mosque came under attack during a “Jai Shri Ram” procession. It also alleged that Muslim-owned houses in Nandina and Abutra villages were vandalised by mobs.
The organization further claimed that Muslim-owned hotels, meat shops, cattle markets, and businesses were deliberately targeted. In Barasat, two Muslim-owned hotels were allegedly demolished, while in Kolkata and several districts, meat shops and non-vegetarian food businesses were attacked or forced to shut down.
According to the report, at least 54 properties were damaged and around 50 Muslims were directly affected physically, economically, or psychologically.
Claims of intimidation and communal targeting
The report alleged that intimidation extended beyond physical violence. APCR claimed that Muslim women were stopped from wearing hijab in parts of Howrah and that threats were issued against cattle traders and slaughterhouses, forcing several cattle markets to shut down.
The organization also accused groups involved in political rallies of carrying out bulldozer processions and threatening minorities.
In some areas, there were reported attempts to rename roads and public spaces associated with Muslim names. APCR cited examples such as attempts to rename “Sanaullah Mancha,” “N Para Masjid Bari Road,” and “Sirajuddaula Udyan.”
Trinamool Congress offices and leaders also attacked
Apart from attacks on Muslims, the report also documented alleged attacks on offices and residences linked to the All India Trinamool Congress. It claimed that several Trinamool Congress offices were occupied or vandalised after the election results.
The report alleged that BJP victory processions in some areas included abusive slogans and threats against political opponents and minority groups.
APCR says incidents indicate larger pattern
APCR stated that the incidents were compiled using local sources because of what it described as limited mainstream media coverage.
The organization said the violence reflected a “wider climate of hostility” rather than isolated incidents.
It said the attacks appeared organised and targeted, particularly against Muslim-owned properties, religious places, and businesses linked to non-vegetarian food trade.
