Bengal Ram Navami Violence: 20 Injured In Murshidabad, BJP Blames CM's 'Provocative Speech' For Attacks

Ram Navami processions in several areas of West Bengal's Murshidabad district were replete with incidents of stone pelting, and blasts triggering violence in Saktipur, Manikyahar and Rejinagar areas. At least 20 people were injured in these clashes including a woman and two children. Ram Navami was celebrated on April 17 across the country. During the blast in Murshidabad's Saktipur area, a woman was injured, following which she was admitted to the Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital.

Mnay shops were reportedly looted in the Manikyahar area and visuals of miscreants pelting stone from the roof of buildings also surfaced in social media platforms. The situation led to heavy deployement of central forces in pockets of Murshidabad, however, the police is yet to make any official statement regarding the matter. 

Blaming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for inciting the attacks, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo's "provocative speech" led to the situation and appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to takle action against Banerjee. 

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Ram Navami procession attacked in Murshidabad, West Bengal:

1) Stones pelted from terrace of building.

2) Blast occurred at Ram Navami rally in Saktipur area. One woman injured & admitted in hospital.

Police is investigating whether blast was due to a bomb or some other reason pic.twitter.com/8C2p9WVQ2x

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) April 17, 2024

"The Ram Navami Processions were disrupted and attacked at various places across the State of West Bengal, due to the CM's provocative speech which successfully incited miscreants, who were assured that the Law enforcement Agency won't act against them as their hands have been tied due to CM's public stance on Ram Navami; a day, which according to her, "Is a day for Rioting". I have written a letter to the Hon'ble Governor; Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, apprising him regarding the attacks on the Processions taken out on the ocassion of Ram Navami on 17.04.2024 and requested him to immediately intervene in order to control the failing Law and Order Situation, as well as getting the incidents investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). I would like to request @ECISVEEP to take action against the Chief Minister, whose provocation led to such untoward incidents," Adhikari posted on X. 

The Ram Navami Processions were disrupted and attacked at various places across the State of West Bengal, due to the CM's provocative speech which successfully incited miscreants, who were assured that the Law enforcement Agency won't act against them as their hands have been… pic.twitter.com/HXwJvP4Pdx

— Suvendu Adhikari (Modi Ka Parivar) (@SuvenduWB) April 18, 2024

In Murshidabad's Rejinagar area, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that stones were thrown at a Ram Navami procession. "It was the duty of the state police to maintain law and order. We urge the Election Commission to take stern action against the police officers there," said BJP state general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay, commenting on the incident.

Retaliating to BJP's claims, the ruling party in the state, TMC accused the saffron camp of triggering tensions ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"The BJP is trying to orchestrate riots ahead of the elections. We condemn such incidents of violence, which is the handiwork of the BJP," said TMC leader Shantanu Sen.

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Significantly Ram Navami celebrations last year were also marred with sporadic outbreaks of violence especially in West Bengal's Howrah district and in the past years the processions have witnessed communal violence.