Tension gripped some parts of West Bengal due to Ram Navami processions, notably in Murshidabad. Violence erupted in the Shaktipur area of Beldanga-2 block in Murshidabad district on Wednesday during a Ram Navami procession. Eighteen people, including policemen, sustained injuries in the incident and are currently receiving treatment at Murshidabad Medical College Hospital.
Several shops in the area were reportedly vandalized in the aftermath of the violence. Police resorted to baton charges and fired tear gas shells to control the situation. Section 144 has been imposed in the area, and internet services have been suspended.
A heavy police presence has been deployed to prevent further unrest, with route marches being conducted in phases, police said. Twenty people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Both Hindu and Muslim communities have called for the immediate restoration of peace in the area. A resident said, “We are in a state of panic, and people are afraid to leave their homes. The administration should take immediate action to restore peace.”
Hafez Shamsul Huda, the imam of the local mosque, stated, “We do not want any unrest in the area, and I have urged everyone to remain calm. The administration is also working towards this goal, and those responsible for the unrest should be arrested and face legal action.”
District Imam Nizamuddin Biswas mentioned efforts being made to establish peace by collaborating with the administration. Bharatpur TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has advocated for peace committees comprising people of all religions to restore peace.
Outgoing Berhampore MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the injured at the hospital on Wednesday night. He faced protests from BJP leaders and workers, they are surrounded the Congress leader and shouted ‘go back’ slogans. Adhir Chowdhury alleged, “The riots were instigated in a planned manner, and I have informed the Election Commission. Additional forces have been sent to Shaktipur.”
Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari blamed Mamata Banerjee for the violence and demanded an NIA investigation. He alleged that Ram Navami processions were disrupted due to the chief minister’s provocative speeches.
Meanwhile, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the BJP for the violence in Murshidabad. Addressing an election rally in Raiganj, Mamata stated, “The BJP conducted a Ram Navami procession with weapons, no one gave that right. The violence in Murshidabad during Ram Navami was pre-planned by the BJP.”
She also raised concerns about the transfer of Murshidabad range DIG Mukesh Kumar, questioning the timing of his removal. “The DIG, who was familiar with the entire district, was transferred just before Ram Navami. Was this to facilitate BJP’s drama? The DIG was transferred after orchestrating the unrest,” she added.
