Chaos erupted in the Ramnavami procession in West Bengal's Murshidabad district. The procession, meant as a peaceful celebration, transformed into a battleground, leaving several individuals wounded. This escalation of violence occurred on the eve of Ramnavami in Shaktipur area. The provocation was palpable on social media, with videos showcasing individuals hurling stones from their rooftops onto the procession below.
As tensions escalated, police resorted to baton charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Police affirmed the situation was brought under control, with additional forces deployed to the region. Injured parties were promptly taken to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital in Behrampore. The BJP's Bengal chapter pointed fingers at unruly elements for targeting the rally and inciting vandalism in shops.
Visit by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
The state's Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari recounted, "Although the administration had given its nod for the Ramnavami parade, the procession in Shaktipur, Beladanga-II block, Murshidabad, was shockingly assaulted by rioters. Strikingly this time, the Mamata police seemed to be in complicity with the aggressors." He alleged that the police fired tear gas intending to abruptly terminate the procession and targeted the devotees. Congressman and MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury inspected the area Wednesday evening.
He stated, "I came from Malda to visit the injured. However, BJP activists protested in the hospital, declaring that Hindus were under attack and demanded my explanation. Those objecting should question the ones who must provide answers." He suggested, "These riots are being incited as part of a plot, and the BJP's protests reflect this. I have communicated with the Election Commission. Additional forces have been sent to Shaktipur, and the SP is on the ground."
CM had warned of riot risks during Ramnavami
These events occurred shortly after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned of possible riots during Ramnavami in Murshidabad. Her cautionary remarks came after the Election Commission ousted Murshidabad's Deputy Inspector General of Police due to violence and alleged lack of "supervision" in the district. On Monday, CM Mamata indicated, "Today, the DIG of Murshidabad was swapped at the behest of the BJP. Now, if there are riots in Murshidabad and Malda, the Election Commission will be accountable. The BJP desired these changes to trigger riots and violence." She stated the Election Commission would bear responsibility for any disturbance as they were overseeing law and order in the region.
Statement from the CM
Earlier, Mamata Banerjee accused of conspiracy to incite riots during the state's Ramnavami celebrations. In a political rally, she alleged, "They will partake in riots today. There is a likelihood of riots, and they plan to win (the election) by instigating riots and looting votes." Last year's Ramnavami festivities in Bengal saw violence, spurring a significant confrontation between the BJP and Trinamool Congress.
Explosion in Jamuria damages residence unexpectedly
A home in Bagdihati, Jamuria's Block No. 2, was partly demolished in an unexpected blast Wednesday night. The incident, coinciding with Ramnavami, sent shockwaves through the region. The Trinamool Congress's district president of West Burdwan, Narendra Nath Chakraborty, insinuated that the BJP was attempting to spread fear amidst the celebrations. However, no clue has been found regarding Kajal Gorai, the woman whose home was affected. Following news of the incident, significant unrest broke out. Police from Jamuria Police Station and Kenda outpost initiated an investigation at the site. The cause behind the explosion remains undetermined, stirring speculation. While TMC blamed the BJP, no statement has been issued by any BJP leader in the region, nor has it been established whether the explosives were present on-site or brought in from outside. A thorough investigation by the police is underway.
