Political Unrest Escalates in Bengal Following Malda Clash and Statewide Protests

KalimNews Kolkata, March 28, 2025, 2025 : Protests continued across Bengal on Friday following the unrest in Malda, with BJP leaders and supporters staging demonstrations in Hooghly district, including a significant protest at the Bandel intersection in Chinchura under Dhundu Markand. The protests began early in the morning, with demonstrators burning tires and disrupting traffic. Police forces from Chinchura and Bandel Fari swiftly arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire and attempt to disperse the crowd, but this led to a scuffle between BJP workers and law enforcement. The situation escalated as BJP supporters were reportedly chased by civic volunteers in the area.

BJP State General Secretary Dipanjan Guha and other key party leaders, including Suresh Sau, were present at the protest. Guha, while addressing the media, alleged that under the Trinamool Congress government, police forces were abusing Hindu communities and BJP workers across the state. He further claimed that some officers were acting as informants for the ruling party, even allegedly wearing civilian clothes to influence the situation.

The protests came on the heels of a communal clash in Malda's Mothabari area that occurred the previous day, which led to the arrest of at least 34 individuals. The violent altercation prompted the district administration to impose prohibitory orders and deploy additional police reinforcements to restore order. With Malda lying within 50 km of the India-Bangladesh border, the government also mobilized additional BSF personnel to bolster security in the region.

Malda's Superintendent of Police, Pradeep Kumar Yadav, confirmed that four FIRs had been filed in connection with the violence, and additional arrests were expected. Eyewitnesses reported widespread damage, including arson attacks on shops and vehicles, as well as assaults on families across several villages. The violence reportedly erupted after a community raised objections to a Ram Navami procession on March 25, claiming police inaction. This conflict was further exacerbated by misinformation spread via viral videos, leading to heightened tensions in the region.

In response, local police acted quickly to detain individuals from both sides of the conflict and disperse the crowds blocking NH-34, following repeated appeals from law enforcement. As of now, authorities have set up 25 police pickets across the area, supplemented by seven mobile patrol units, ensuring a constant presence to prevent further disturbances. The local administration has also placed the district under round-the-clock surveillance to maintain peace.

While the police continue to monitor the situation closely, there has been no deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the area. The police have registered six additional cases and are conducting raids to prevent further violence. Authorities are working diligently to restore order and address potential threats to public safety.

Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Hindu Jagaran Mancha (HJM) have sharply criticized the district administration's delayed response to the violence. In a press conference in Siliguri, Laxman Bansal, VHP's North Bengal secretary, alleged that their members were "attacked unprovoked" and accused "jihadi groups" of attempting to sabotage the Ram Navami celebrations. The HJM also called for greater security measures and public participation to ensure peaceful observances on April 6.

As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are working to maintain peace while keeping a close watch on sensitive areas across the state.