What Did the Court-Appointed Panel Discover About Police Inaction in Murshidabad Violence?
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Synopsis
A recent report from a Calcutta High Court panel reveals shocking police inaction during the Murshidabad violence. With specific individuals named as conspirators, the report raises serious questions about law enforcement's role in managing communal unrest. Discover the significant findings and implications for the future.
Key Takeaways
- Three-member committee highlights police negligence.
- CAPF deployment occurred after significant unrest.
- Identified key conspirators involved in the violence.
- 113 homes were damaged, with extensive looting reported.
- Calls for accountability within local law enforcement.
Kolkata, May 21 (NationPress) A committee comprising three members from the Calcutta High Court is examining the communal unrest that occurred in the predominantly Muslim Murshidabad district of West Bengal last month. Their report highlights significant police negligence and a lack of urgency in addressing the situation prior to the arrival of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
Insiders reveal that the committee has outlined instances of police indifference in a report presented to the special division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury. This bench was specifically formed to address the issues surrounding the Murshidabad violence.
The unrest erupted in various parts of Murshidabad, including Dhulian, Suti, and Samserganj, on April 8, with the CAPF being deployed late on April 12 following the bench's order that same evening.
While issuing the deployment order on April 12, the special division criticized the measures taken by the West Bengal government to control the communal unrest triggered by protests against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, deeming them insufficient.
The bench further noted that had the CAPF been deployed sooner, the situation would not have escalated to such a “grave” and “volatile” state.
The findings from the committee's report align with the bench's earlier observations made on April 12.
The report identifies local councillor Mehbub Alam as the main conspirator behind the violence, highlighting that the police failed to take action against him during the unrest.
Reportedly, all assaults beginning from 2 p.m. on April 11 were orchestrated by Mehbub Alam, who appeared at the violence site with miscreants while law enforcement remained inactive.
Additionally, the report mentions one Amirul Islam, who arrived at the violence scene, pinpointed undamaged homes, and directed the assailants, who later set those properties ablaze.
In total, the report details that 113 homes were damaged, and valuables worth lakhs—including jewelry, cash, furniture, and livestock—were pilfered. It also shed light on how district police ignored repeated distress calls from victims' families. Notably, the local police station was merely 300 meters from the incidents, yet no action was taken.
Point of View
The findings of the Calcutta High Court committee on the Murshidabad violence underscore the urgent need for accountability and reform within law enforcement. The reported inaction is a serious concern that cannot be overlooked, and it raises critical questions about the government's ability to maintain public order and safety.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of the Murshidabad violence?
The violence in Murshidabad stemmed from protests against the newly introduced Waqf (Amendment) Act, which escalated into communal unrest.
What did the court-appointed panel find?
The panel found significant police negligence and inaction, identifying key individuals responsible for orchestrating the violence.
How many homes were affected during the violence?
A total of 113 homes were reported damaged, with many valuables looted, including cash and jewelry.
When was the CAPF deployed in Murshidabad?
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed on the night of April 12, following the violence that began on April 8.
What recommendations did the committee make?
The committee's report emphasizes the need for improved police response and accountability to prevent future incidents of communal violence.
