Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
Journalism of Courage
Premium
This is an archive article published on April 19, 2025
Loudspeaker in hand, Bengal Governor tours areas singed by violence after Waqf protests
“I have seen what has happened here. I have heard your demands and felt the sense of insecurity in your minds. Will do whatever is possible,” said the Governor during a brief stop amid slogans from the crowd of “Camp chai (We want a BSF camp here).”
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose (Express photo/ Partha Paul)
Armed with a handheld loudspeaker, Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose toured the communal violence-hit Dhulian and Samsergunj areas of Murshi-dabad district on Saturday with a message: “Ab se karwahi hogi
(action will be taken).”
“I have seen what has happened here. I have heard your demands and felt the sense of insecurity in your minds. Will do whatever is possible,” said the Governor during a brief stop amid slogans from the crowd of “Camp chai (We want a BSF camp here).”
“Mein aap ke saath hoon. Ab se karwahi hogi (I am with you. Now action will be taken)… One of the demands is for a permanent BSF camp in the area. I will take up all your demands with the Central government and the state government,” he said.
Bose’s visit comes after the riots, which took place in the wake of the new Waqf law, claimed three lives — a man in police firing and a father and son in mob violence. Even as the ruling TMC and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claim the violence was orchestrated, the BJP has accused the party of letting lawlessness spiral in the state.
At Ghoshpara in Dhulian, people formed a circle around the Governor as he interacted with them through the loudspeaker, listening to them narrate the events of April 11.
Earlier in the day, he met with family members of Hargobind Das and Chandan Das, the father and son who were dragged out of their home and killed in Jafrabad that day.
“I want to tell them to feel free to call me directly. We have given them direct numbers so that they can call me. They said, ‘We want justice,’ and they will get justice. They want peace and they will get peace. Certainly, we will do everything possible to give them a sense of security. All of their complaints are registered and we are analysing them. We are sympathetic to their demands,” said Bose while speaking to the media after visiting the family.
Story continues below this ad
“We have lost everything. Yet we live in fear. We have told the Governor about this. He promised all help,” said Parul Das, who lost her husband and son.
The Governor stepped down from his convoy and toured Bedbona village in Dhulian, one of the worst-affected areas during the recent communal violence.
Here, too, men, women and children waving placards demanded security and a permanent BSF camp in the area.
The residents blocked the village road after the Governor’s convoy passed the area without meeting them. Later, the Governor made a stop in the area and inspected the village.
Story continues below this ad
“Many still cannot return home because of a lack of security,” said Rita Mondol, whose house came under arson attack.
On Thursday, turning down Chief Minister Banerjee’s request not to visit violence-hit areas, Bose said he wanted to see the “ground reality”.
On Friday morning, he started from Kolkata by train and reached Malda, and then took the road to Baishnabnagar. He toured the violence-hit areas of Murshidabad on Saturday.
According to the state government, over 250 people have been arrested so far, and 60 FIRs have been filed in connection with the violence.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Live Blog