Widespread communal violence erupted in Beldanga town and nearby areas in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Saturday night, leaving several people injured and houses destroyed. Authorities deployed heavy police forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and suspended internet services across the district to prevent the escalation of violence and misinformation.
Speaking on Sunday, Superintendent of Police (SP) Surya Pratap Yadav confirmed the injuries and detentions but refrained from disclosing exact numbers. Local residents, however, claimed that at least 50 individuals from both communities were injured, and more than 30 houses were ransacked or set ablaze. The worst-hit area, according to locals, was civic ward 10 of Beldanga.
Violence Triggered by Alleged Sacrilegious Display
The clashes reportedly began during Kartick Puja celebrations on Saturday evening. According to police sources, tensions escalated around 8:30 PM when a sacrilegious comment was allegedly displayed using bulbs on an electrical display board. The provocative act triggered outrage, leading to violent confrontations between two groups in Beldanga and its surrounding areas.
Authorities rushed senior police officers and deployed a massive contingent to the affected areas to restore order. Four civilians, including a woman, and a RAF personnel were injured in the violence and admitted to Berhampore Medical College and Hospital, officials said.
Murshidabad, with the highest Muslim population in West Bengal at 66.28%, has historically been a sensitive district. Its adjacent district, Malda, also has a significant Muslim population at 51.27%, adding to the communal sensitivity in the region.
Internet Suspended; Political Leaders Barred from Visiting
To prevent the spread of misinformation and further escalation, the authorities suspended internet services across Murshidabad until 8 AM on November 17. Prohibitory orders were not imposed, given the ongoing Kartick Puja festivities, but celebrations continued on a significantly reduced scale on Sunday.
In a bid to maintain law and order, the police barred BJP leader Dilip Ghosh from entering Beldanga. Ghosh, who arrived in Murshidabad to join a Kartick Puja procession, was escorted out of the district by a police team. The move was aimed at averting potential political tensions during an already volatile situation.
Meanwhile, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former state Congress president and a veteran leader representing Berhampore in the Lok Sabha for five terms, visited the hospital to meet the injured. Chowdhury commended the administration for its prompt action and urged people to maintain communal harmony.
“The administration has taken the right steps, and we are fully cooperating with the government. Murshidabad has been a symbol of peaceful coexistence for centuries, and I appeal to all to uphold this harmony,” Chowdhury said.
Local residents expressed concern over the incident, calling for stricter preventive measures to avoid such communal clashes in the future. “This is not the Murshidabad we know. People here have always lived peacefully. The authorities must act firmly to ensure this does not happen again,” said a resident.
Heavy Police Deployment Restores Calm
As of Sunday afternoon, no fresh clashes were reported. To further stabilize the situation, the district administration brought back all police officers previously posted in the Beldanga zone from their current assignments for temporary duty. The heightened police presence, coupled with the rapid deployment of RAF personnel, helped bring the situation under control.
Although tension lingers, the authorities’ swift response and proactive measures have prevented further violence. Local leaders, community representatives, and residents have called for dialogue and cooperation to rebuild trust and ensure harmony in the district.
The clashes in Beldanga underscore the fragility of communal peace in regions with a history of sensitivity. While the administration’s immediate response has been commendable, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sustained efforts in fostering inter-community harmony. Moving forward, both government action and grassroots initiatives will be crucial in maintaining peace and stability in Murshidabad.