34 arrested after communal clash in Bengal’s Malda district; Internet suspended, prohibitory orders issued
On Friday, the Calcutta High Court sought an 'action taken’ report on the incident in the Mothabari area from the District Magistrate and police superintendent in Malda
3 min read
Police patrolling Mothabari in Malda district. (Express Photo) The Internet has been suspended and prohibitory orders were issued in the Mothabari area and surrounding areas of West Bengal’s Malda following clashes between two communities. A large contingent of policemen has been posted in the area and 34 people have been arrested so far.
On Friday, a division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das De at the Calcutta High Court, responding to a PIL, sought an ‘action taken’ report on the incident from the District Magistrate and police superintendent in Malda.
“The situation is under control now. We are maintaining the strongest vigil in the area,” said Nitin Singhania, district magistrate of Malda, speaking with The Indian Express over phone while confirming the orders and that the Internet was suspended.
Police said that on Wednesday, a preparatory rally for Ram Navami passed a local mosque. A section of people alleged that fire crackers were thrown near the mosque. On Thursday, as the news spread, a section of people blocked local roads. When police tried to lift the blockade, stones were allegedly pelted at the police and their vehicle allegedly ransacked. Police used baton charges and lobbed tear gas shells to control the mob.
The mob then allegedly ransacked public vehicles and shops in the area. The orders were passed when fresh protests erupted on Friday and were quickly controlled by police.
Police patrolling Mothabari in Malda district. (Express Photo)
The Malda district police shared on social media, “So far, six cases have been registered based on suo motu and public complaints, and a total of 34 persons have been arrested… Patrol mobile units are active to respond to any untoward situation immediately. Forces have also been mobilised to strengthen the police presence. Round-the-clock patrolling is going on and any information about a disturbance or possibility of disturbance is being responded to.”
“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,” the district police added in its post.
“Right now, the situation is under control. The administration has called for a meeting of a Shanti (peace) committee where people of both communities will be present. We have appealed for peace to everyone. We have asked people not to pay heed to rumours on social media,” said Sabina Yasmin, TMC MLA from Mothabari, speaking to The Indian Express over phone.
Meanwhile, the BJP claimed that a delegation of their party was not allowed to enter the Mothabari area on Friday.
“Since yesterday, the situation has been tense in Mothabari in Malda. Hindu temples and houses were ransacked. I have spoken to Governor C V Ananda Bose and reached out to the office of Home Minister Amit Shah. Now the situation seems to be under control, but the question is why such incidents are recurring in Bengal,” said BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar.
You May Like
