What is the Latest on Bengal Violence? Police Detain 18 in Maheshtala as Tensions Rise
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Synopsis
Tensions escalate in Maheshtala, West Bengal, as police arrest 18 during ongoing protests. The situation remains volatile with shops closed and a heavy police presence. Political leaders express concern over communal violence and safety of Hindu families. What are the implications for local governance and community relations?
Key Takeaways
- Tension remains high in Maheshtala following police arrests.
- A significant police force is deployed to maintain order.
- Local leaders raise concerns about communal violence.
- Public safety is a pressing concern for residents.
- Prohibitory orders are in effect to prevent further escalation.
Kolkata, June 12 (NationPress) A state of unease has gripped the Maheshtala region in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, as police action against demonstrators unfolded on Thursday. Up to this point, 18 individuals have been taken into custody.
The detentions were part of a coordinated effort by the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police, which initiated on Wednesday night and extended into Thursday morning, linked to the violence that erupted on Wednesday afternoon.
Of the arrests, 14 occurred on Wednesday night, while the remaining four were apprehended early Thursday morning, as confirmed by a senior police official.
Despite the police presence, the atmosphere in Maheshtala remained tense, with many shops shuttered even on Thursday morning.
Pedestrian traffic in the area was considerably lower than usual. A substantial police force, including members of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), was deployed in an attempt to restore public confidence.
Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders, limiting the number of individuals permitted to assemble.
In response to the unrest, Suvendu Adhikari, the opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly, sought permission from the DGP and the police superintendent of Diamond Harbour Police District to visit Maheshtala. He expressed his intention to meet and show support for the affected Hindu families and shopkeepers who faced the violence on Wednesday.
“This visit aims to understand their concerns and ensure their voices are acknowledged. I trust that the administration will not hinder my visit,” Adhikari stated.
On Wednesday night, Amit Malviya, the head of BJP's Information Technology Cell and the party's central observer for West Bengal, issued a statement alleging that women in Maheshtala were compelled to safeguard themselves at night for their survival.
“What took place in Bangladesh during the Noakhali riots, and what transpired in Pakistan, is now being mirrored — right on the outskirts of Kolkata, under Mamata Banerjee’s governance. Malda and Murshidabad may be distant, but today, with faith in the police eroded, women are forced to take their protection into their own hands amidst the jihadi onslaught,” Malviya's statement asserted.
The clashes that erupted in Maheshtala on Wednesday resulted in the vandalism and destruction of several vehicles, alongside assaults on homes and police personnel. Several officers sustained injuries while attempting to quell the conflict.
There are conflicting narratives on the triggers of the violence. The police cited a confrontation between two groups over the establishment of a shop in the area as the cause.
Conversely, Adhikari claimed that the violence was distinctly “communal.” He alleged that an act of vandalism occurred at the Shiva Temple in Ward No. 7, where miscreants unlawfully encroached upon temple committee land and set up shops.
“Upon confrontation, they (the encroachers) assaulted the sacred Tulsi Manch, nearby Hindu shops, residences, and the temple itself. What was shocking was that this incident transpired within close proximity to the Rabindra Nagar Police Station, under the watch of IC Mukul Mia and SDPO Kamrujjaman Molla. The police could have intervened to prevent the vandals... the entire incident unfolded in the presence of officers,” he alleged on Wednesday.
Adhikari further alleged that attacks against Hindus, Hindu establishments, and religious sites have become a recurring issue in West Bengal, from Mothabari to Murshidabad to Maheshtala.
Local residents also contended that the situation could have been controlled earlier if the police had summoned additional forces at the outset, thereby preventing the tension from escalating.
Point of View
The unrest in Maheshtala highlights the fragile community dynamics in West Bengal. The ongoing violence raises critical questions about governance, public safety, and the relationship between law enforcement and local populations. As we navigate these challenges, it is essential to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation to prevent further escalation.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the violence in Maheshtala?
The violence reportedly stemmed from a dispute over setting up a shop in the area, leading to clashes between two groups.
How many people have been arrested so far?
As of now, 18 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
What measures are authorities taking to control the situation?
Authorities have deployed a significant police presence, including the Rapid Action Force, and imposed prohibitory orders to limit gatherings.
What do local leaders say about the violence?
Local leaders, including opposition figures, are expressing concerns about communal tensions and the safety of affected communities.
What is the current situation in Maheshtala?
The situation remains tense, with many shops closed and a heavy police presence aimed at restoring order.
