Kolkata (West Bengal) [India]: Three people have lost their lives in Dhuliyan, Murshidabad district, following mob violence linked to opposition against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, according to the West Bengal Police.
The violent clashes occurred on Friday night, during which several vehicles were set ablaze. Authorities have since heightened security in the area. As per Bengal Police, the situation is now under control.
West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar addressed the media, asserting that the state would not tolerate lawlessness.
“An atmosphere of unrest has been seen in Jangipur since yesterday and communal disturbance has also been observed. Any kind of hooliganism will not be tolerated. We are dealing with the situation very strongly.”
He explained that the situation began as a protest, which escalated to destruction of public property and then took a communal turn.
“It is our responsibility to protect human life. Strict action will be taken against those who indulge in hooliganism. No one should spread rumours, do not pay attention to rumours. Police will take strict action, do not take the law into your own hands. Section 163 is applicable in violence-affected areas. Strict action will be taken if government property is set on fire. We request for cooperation from the public, we will not tolerate any kind of violence.”
“People are not allowed to come on the street and take law in their hand.”
In response to the unrest, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has written to Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the investigation of recent vandalism incidents at railway stations in Murshidabad.
Adhikari emphasized that Murshidabad shares a border with Bangladesh, and highlighted the presence of radical outfits like PFI and SIMI. He stated that the NIA was best suited to ensure a “thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation,” adding that this would help identify the masterminds behind the violence and prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, BJP MP and West Bengal party president Sukanta Majumdar strongly criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of “threatening Hindus” and “trying to create a Bangladesh here.” He alleged that the police remained inactive due to orders from the state leadership.
“The police are doing nothing and keeping quiet,” said Majumdar, who added that BJP leaders were in contact with Delhi to inform them of the unfolding situation.