What’s Behind the 'River of Blood' Videos in Kolkata?

Synopsis
A controversy has ignited in West Bengal due to disturbing videos claiming to show a 'river of blood' in Kolkata after Eid-al-Adha. The police have labeled these claims as fake, asserting the footage is from Bangladesh. Explore the implications of this incident and the political tensions it reveals.
Key Takeaways
- Controversy arose from misleading videos claiming to show violence in Kolkata.
- Police confirmed the videos are fake and unrelated to Kolkata.
- BJP's allegations reflect political tensions in West Bengal.
- The incident has raised concerns over communal harmony and misinformation.
- Fact Check: The Truth debunked the claims, emphasizing the need for responsible media.
Kolkata, June 8 (NationPress) A significant controversy emerged in West Bengal on Sunday following the release of three videos by the BJP state unit, showcasing disturbing visuals of a 'river of blood' on Kolkata's streets after the Eid-al-Adha festival. The police promptly dismissed these claims, labeling the videos as 'fake' and clarified that the footage was actually from Bangladesh, not India.
In a post on his official X account, West Bengal BJP chief and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar asserted that the Chief Minister's attempts to transform West Bengal into a 'Greater Bangladesh' for political gain are alarming.
“The visuals coming out of Kolkata after a specific religious festival are reminiscent of conditions in Bangladesh! The streets appear crimson, and even municipal water is allegedly tainted with blood!” Majumdar stated.
Additionally, BJP IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya shared the video, suggesting that if the capital city of Kolkata is in such a state under the scrutiny of the media and administration, one can only speculate about the situation in other parts of West Bengal.
“This is a manifestation of lawlessness, political violence, blatant appeasement, corruption, and a total administrative breakdown under Mamata Banerjee’s regime,” Malviya remarked.
However, the Fact Check: The Truth initiative by the West Bengal Cyber Crime Wing refuted the BJP's allegations, confirming that the videos were fabricated and actually stemmed from a 2016 event in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where streets were discolored due to rain after Eid-al-Adha.
“These incidents have no ties to West Bengal or the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Such distressing visuals are being propagated on social media with the sole intention of tarnishing West Bengal's reputation and inciting communal discord,” stated Fact Check: The Truth.
Leaders from the Trinamool Congress expressed their reluctance to comment, suggesting that the circulation of these videos indicates an attempt by the BJP to stir up religious tensions through dubious content on social media.