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

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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.

Point of View

It is critical to approach the unfolding events in West Bengal with a balanced perspective. The dissemination of potentially misleading content can exacerbate communal tensions. As responsible journalists, we must adhere to the principles of integrity and ensure that our reporting reflects facts, fostering understanding rather than division.
NationPress
08/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What sparked the controversy in Kolkata?
The controversy was ignited by videos released by the BJP showing disturbing visuals of a 'river of blood' in Kolkata after the Eid-al-Adha festival.
What did the police say about the videos?
The police declared the videos as fake and clarified that they were related to an incident in Bangladesh, not India.
Who is Sukanta Majumdar?
Sukanta Majumdar is the West Bengal BJP chief and Union Minister of State who made claims regarding the state’s governance.
What was the response from Trinamool Congress leaders?
Trinamool Congress leaders refrained from commenting, stating the BJP's actions seemed aimed at provoking religious tension.
What is Fact Check: The Truth?
Fact Check: The Truth is an initiative by the West Bengal Cyber Crime Wing that aims to verify claims and combat misinformation.