Communal Clashes Erupt in Bengal’s Murshidabad, Internet Suspended
Several people were injured in violent communal clashes in Beldanga town and its surrounding areas in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, on Saturday night.
Authorities responded by deploying additional police forces and suspending internet services across the district until 8 a.m. on November 19.
Clashes During Kartick Puja Celebration
The unrest reportedly began during Kartick Puja celebrations, when a sacrilegious comment was allegedly displayed using bulbs on an electrical board. The incident triggered tensions around 8:30 p.m., escalating into violent clashes. Local police confirmed that homes were ransacked, and over 30 properties were set ablaze.
“Several persons have been injured, and several detained,” said Superintendent of Police Surya Pratap Yadav. However, no exact figures were provided. Local sources claimed that at least 50 people sustained injuries during the violence.
Deployment of Forces and Political Response
A large contingent of police, including rapid action force personnel, has been deployed to maintain order in the area. Prohibitory orders were not imposed due to ongoing festival celebrations, although celebrations continued on a subdued scale.
Notably, the authorities barred BJP leader Dilip Ghosh from entering Beldanga, escorting him out of the district. Former state Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the hospital to check on the injured, urging citizens to maintain communal harmony.
“No fresh clashes have been reported as of Sunday afternoon,” confirmed an official, adding that former police officers who served in Beldanga were temporarily reinstated to address the situation.
Background and Impact
Murshidabad, which has the highest Muslim population in West Bengal at 66.28% (2011 Census), has been a historically sensitive area. The district’s adjacent region, Malda, also has a significant Muslim population at 51.27%.
The violence left four residents, including a woman, hospitalized, while a member of the rapid action force sustained injuries while attempting to quell the clashes. Authorities are working to stabilize the region and prevent further unrest.
