• Source:JND
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Bengal: Internet services were suspended in the Mothabari and surrounding regions of West Bengal's Malda district on Friday after clashes between two communities took place a day ago, officials said, as quoted by news agency PTI. A large contingent of policemen has been posted in the area and 34 people have been arrested so far. The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the district magistrate and the superintendent of police to file an action taken report over the violence by April 3.

The court observed that in view of the sensitivity attached to the matter, it is expected that the "state should act cautiously and take appropriate measures" to ensure safety and security of the people affected by such violence.

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“We just concluded the peace meeting between the communities and groups. The meeting was very positive. We are confident that the situation will normalise soon,” said state minister and local TMC MLA Sabina Yeasmin, as quoted by PTI.

“Due to the Ram Navami and Eid festivities, it was decided that Section 144 won't be imposed. But the police and the administration have spread the message that no major gathering would be allowed,” she added.

The Malda Police posted on X, “Apart from raids and arrests of trouble mongers, police pickets have been strategically placed across sensitive areas to maintain law and order.”

"Round-the-clock patrolling is going on, and any information about disturbance or possibility of disturbance is being responded to," the district police said.

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The police also emphasised that no CAPF (Central Armed Police Force) had been requisitioned or deployed in the district.

"So far, six cases have been registered based on suo motu and public complaints, and a total of 34 people have been arrested. The situation is under control, and a strict police vigil continues in the area," the police said.

What Exactly Happened

Trouble began on Thursday after a religious procession passed by a place of worship on Wednesday evening, as per locals. The violence led to arson, vandalism, and physical attacks on people. Those identified in video footage were remanded to police custody, while the rest were sent to judicial custody, the police said, as per the news agency.

“Malda District Police is committed to maintaining peace, harmony, and public safety. We urge everyone to act responsibly, verify information before sharing, and rely only on official sources for updates,” said Police on social media.

"We request all citizens to maintain peace and not be swayed by rumours or misinformation. There is a deliberate attempt to create confusion and provoke unrest. Such acts of rumour-mongering and misuse of social media will be dealt with strictly as per law,” it said in a social media post.

BJP Reacts

West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar posted on X, “Horrific scenes from Dakshin Malda's Mothabari—Hindu homes & shops vandalised by a violent mob. And what does @MamataOfficial and her mute spectator @WBPolice do? SILENCE. This is the cost of her shameless appeasement politics—lawlessness, fear & injustice for Hindus!”

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari questioned the police action, stating, “Why is Mamata Banerjee's administration preventing the affected Hindu shopkeepers and their families from assessing the extent of their losses and extending a helping hand to them? Why has Section 163 of the Indian Penal Code been imposed in the area?”

“Even internet services have been shut down, it is reported. All these incidents prove that the situation is heated and the Mamata government is knowingly using state power to isolate the affected Hindus so that the truth does not come out,” he claimed.

(With Agency Inputs)