KOLKATA, India (Kashmir English): Anit-Muslim violence erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during a Ram Navami procession, leaving at least 15 people injured and several shops vandalized.
The clash began when the procession, accompanied by loud music, passed a mosque during Friday prayers, sparking a confrontation between participants and worshippers, Kashmir Media Service reported on Sunday.
Reports indicate that saffron-clad crowds linked to Hindutva groups targeted Muslim-owned businesses, setting ablaze around 40 shops, fruit stalls, and eateries in Fultala.
Muslim homes trespassed
Eyewitnesses said that participants climbed rooftops of Muslim homes, hoisted saffron flags, vandalised properties, looted and set ablaze around 40 shops, fruit stalls, and eateries belonging to the Muslim community.
The unrest continued for some time despite the proximity of the Raghunathganj police station (just 500 metres away) and the presence of state police and central forces.
Police eventually resorted to a lathi-charge after repeated appeals from residents.
One victim, Abul Sheikh, a 30-year-old Jangipur municipality employee, suffered serious head injuries from iron rods.
He told reporters he was attacked while returning home on a motorbike, which was damaged and set on fire. At least 15 people were injured in clashes across multiple spots in the Jangipur region, with reports of stone-pelting from both sides.15
Jangipur MLA and Trinamool Congress leader Zakir Hossain claimed the incident was orchestrated by the BJP amid internal factionalism to polarise Hindu votes ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. He demanded immediate arrests. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144.
West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident.
The violence has raised concerns about communal polarization in poll-bound West Bengal, where Ram Navami processions have previously triggered tensions.
