What is the Current Situation in Bengal’s Beldanga?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Tension persists in Beldanga, West Bengal, with train services still suspended after two days of unrest. Commuters and traders face hardships as police maintain a heavy presence to prevent further disturbances. The community is in search of answers and justice amid the ongoing turmoil.
Key Takeaways
- Beldanga remains tense after two days of unrest.
- Train services on the Sealdah-Lalgola route are suspended.
- Heavy police presence is maintained to prevent further incidents.
- Local traders are facing significant challenges due to the disruption.
- Authorities are investigating the causes of the unrest.
Kolkata, Jan 18 (NationPress) Tension continues to loom over Beldanga in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal following two days of unrest. While no new incidents of violence have been reported, train operations on the Sealdah-Lalgola route remain suspended.
The disruption has caused significant difficulties for daily commuters and local traders. Although bus services are operational due to the lifting of the blockade on National Highway 12, a substantial police presence is deployed to deter any potential disturbances.
Officials from the Eastern Railway confirmed that regular train services on the Sealdah-Lalgola line are still halted, with trains currently only running to Krishnanagar and being redirected thereafter.
On Sunday, railway officials will consider the possibility of resuming train services between Krishnanagar and Plassey. In light of recent events, additional RPF personnel have been stationed at various railway stations to prevent further incidents.
The absence of train services has compelled many residents to rely on buses, resulting in increased traffic congestion on the roads.
It is noteworthy that a large number of individuals commute daily on the Lalgola train to Kolkata via Sealdah. Local traders, particularly those supplying vegetables and cottage cheese from Murshidabad, are among the hardest hit by this disruption.
The timeline for the restoration of train services remains uncertain. Shops in the Beldanga market reopened on Sunday morning, yet police are closely monitoring the movements of outsiders in the vicinity, reviewing CCTV footage from the area.
On Saturday night, Murshidabad Police District Superintendent (SP) Sunny Raj held a press conference, announcing the arrest of Matiur Rahman, identified as the 'mastermind' behind the unrest in Beldanga, along with four others linked to an attack on media personnel.
The SP asserted that Saturday's unrest was both deliberate and premeditated, necessitating police intervention through a lathi-charge to disperse the crowds. The Rapid Action Force remains on standby to prevent any further unrest on Sunday.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Beldanga experienced renewed unrest, just a day after a similar protest took place. Hundreds of demonstrators blocked the Barua More intersection in Beldanga to protest against the alleged murder of a migrant worker from the district in Jharkhand.
Protesters obstructed National Highway 12, demanding justice for the incident, and several media personnel were attacked while covering the developments. Police eventually resorted to a lathi-charge to regain control of the situation.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach the events with a focus on transparency and accountability. The unrest highlights the community's deep-seated concerns, which must be addressed by authorities to restore peace and normalcy. As a national news organization, we stand committed to delivering accurate and timely updates as this story develops.
NationPress
18/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the unrest in Beldanga?
The unrest was triggered by protests over the alleged murder of a migrant worker from Beldanga in Jharkhand.
Are trains running on the Sealdah-Lalgola route?
No, train services on the Sealdah-Lalgola route remain suspended due to the ongoing tension.
What measures are in place to ensure safety in Beldanga?
A heavy police presence has been deployed, and additional Rapid Action Force personnel are on standby to prevent further unrest.
How has the disruption affected local traders?
Local traders, particularly those supplying vegetables and dairy, have been significantly impacted by the suspension of train services.
What is the current status of the investigation into the unrest?
Several arrests have been made, including the alleged mastermind behind the unrest, and investigations are ongoing.
