In recent days, incidents of violence have erupted in Murshidabad, West Bengal. The hand of SDPI is suspected behind these events. Additionally, the role of extremist groups linked to Bangladesh is under scrutiny by the authorities. Bengal police are receiving critical inputs that support evidence implicating SDPI's involvement in the violence in Murshidabad.
Investigations have determined that SDPI members have been stoking unrest among young Muslims in the region under the guise of protesting Waqf amendments.
What Did the Police Reveal?
SDPI members are known to have gone door-to-door inciting youth and children against the Waqf amendment, claiming the government would strip Muslims of everything in the name of Waqf, urging them to protest fervently. Various provocative and inflammatory statements were used. After sustaining bullet injuries in clashes with police, Izaaz Ahmed succumbed to his injuries in Murshidabad's hospital on Saturday. His family confirmed that an SDPI movement was active in Murshidabad.
According to the police, at one point, SIMI had its maximum activity in Murshidabad. Later, members transitioned to PFI, making Murshidabad a stronghold for PFI. They also established connections with SDPI, reinforcing SDPI’s influence here.
The police noted that, besides locals, a substantial number of outsiders also participated in the violence. The unrest seemed premeditated since on the previous Friday, a demonstration erupted smoothly transitioning into a clash with police at Sutia, Murshidabad, obstructing the National Highway. Soon thereafter, acts of violence spread to Shamsherganj as masses engaged in rioting and arson, causing widespread havoc. The police were occupied in Sutia, while chaos unfolded merely 10 kilometers away in Shamsherganj.
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Targeted attacks on Hindu shops and residences incurred severe damage to public properties. A large force dispatched from Jangipur got delayed in Sutia, allowing the chaos in Shamsherganj to persist uninhibited. Investigations reveal that numerous young, mostly underage individuals orchestrated the violence. Participants were aged 10 to 20 years, with a significant turnout present. Evidence from the exposed images makes it pellucid that children and youthful individuals instigated the rampage.
Viral videos corroborate that the culprits' ages ranged between 10 and 20 years. Preliminary analysis unveils that many in this violent gathering are migrant workers from other states, currently in Murshidabad for Eid holidays, contributing to the unrest.
